President of company that provides Jeffco sheriff Emergency Alert Notification tells Denver7 "No Glitch" 12% just never answered phone.
180 homes remain evacuated because of the fire. All families who lost property have been allowed into burn area.
Commander not releasing new containment info yet, says progress made, no need for additional resources. 4100 acres burned, no perimeter growth today. "Terrain is the challenge". Preparing for upcoming wind event on Saturday.
The Lower North Fork Fire started on Monday, March 26. Preliminary reports indicate that the fire was caused by embers from a prescribed fire (Rx). An investigation is ongoing. The Rx was ignited on Thursday, March 22 by the Colorado State Forest Service on Denver Water Department lands to reduce the level of hazardous fuels. The Rx was completed the same day. Firefighters mopped up remaining hot spots on Friday and continued patrols throughout the weekend. On Monday, a cold front passed through the area with wind gust over 50 mph. These gusts presumably carried embers from the interior Rx, across containment lines to receptive fuels starting the wildfire. It then spread into the crowns of the trees and driven by the strong winds, quickly advanced to the northeast onto private lands. Local firefighters immediately responded to the wildfire, but were unable to contain it, due to the extreme winds and dry and abundant fuels. Additional firefighting resources were called in from the surrounding area and adjoining states to help with the effort.
This intense wildfire resulted in the fatalities of two citizens, destruction or damage to 25 homes and numerous outbuildings, and caused thousands of residents to evacuate the area. One citizen remains unaccounted for.
Currently the wildfire is estimated at 4,140 acres and 15% containment. There has been no growth in the fire over the past two days. The fire is now being managed by Harvey's Great Basin Incident Management Team after transitioning with the local Jefferson County Incident Management Team on Thursday morning, March 29.
Last edit: 11 Dec 2016 00:20 by MyMountainTown. Reason: fixed a broken link
The following is a statement that the family of Ann Appel has issued:
We are urgently searching for Ann, and appreciate your prayers for her safety. We are deeply grateful for all of those helping in the search. Thank you for your concern and for respecting our privacy during this difficult time.
Lower North Fork Fire Update 3/29/12 1800:
The Lower North Fork Fire is now 45% Contained.
A total of 3.5 miles of containment line was cut by fire crews today.
There was no perimeter growth today. The fire acreage is steady at 4,140.
The current standing evacuation includes 180 homes. These homes are located in the following neighborhoods: Kuehster, Critchell, and Maxwell Hill.
All local home owners with confirmed damaged properties have been escorted to their property by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. There are two homeowners who have not made it back to their property because they are coming from out of the area.
The Urban Search and Rescue Team has continued to search for the missing person, Ann Appel. They have covered over 219 acres during their search.
The fire behavior that was observed today was primarily creeping ground fire with some areas of smoldering in heavier fuels.
The challenge for the next 24 hours is managing the very technical and difficult terrain. The challenge for the coming weekend will be the potential for higher winds. Contingency plans are in place in the event that the wind pushes the fire over existing and future containment lines.
The Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA) Power company has worked to reestablish power to previously evacuated homes.
Continue to follow [url=http://www.jeffcosheriff1.blogspot.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;]www.jeffcosheriff1.blogspot.com[/url] for additional updates.
Resources for Families Returning to their Properties
Jefferson County Public Health has provided the following resources for the community as they return to their properties:
After the Power - Food Concerns
Properties Impacted by Fire Damage
Coming Home After a Fire Evacuation
Specific donations are being requested to assist the families impacted by the Lower North Fork Fire. 100% of the items donated will go directly to the families impacted and displaced by the fire.
Mountain Resource Center, a local community center in Conifer, located at 11030 Kitty Dr. has agreed to accept the following items Monday-Friday 9-5 and this Saturday and Sunday from 9-2:
• Cash or checks- checks may be mailed to Mountain Resource Center, P.O. Box 425 Conifer, Co 80433
• Financial donations may also be done at [url=http://www.mrcco.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;]www.mrcco.org[/url]
• Gift cards in small denominations of $15-25.00 (Target, Wal-Mart, local grocery stores and gas stations)
• Pantry food items that are non-perishable
• Springtime seasonal new or near new clothing - folded and placed in boxes
• Those wishing to donate furniture or appliances are asked to contact the center directly at 303-838-7552 or email
. Mountain Resource Center is not able to accept furniture at this time but will coordinate requests with community members wishing to donate.
Mark Techmeyer
Public Information Officer
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
303-271-5602 Desk
303-419-3392 Cell
Heavenly father hear us at this most critical time. We cry out to you and praise your name for your provisions and your grace on all of us.
Lord we ask for your continued blessing on those engaged in fighting this fire and on those tasked in other service and support roles. Keep them safe and give them the tenacity to accomplish what is before them. Continue to work in the hearts and minds of all those who suffered loss and who grieve or worry. May your grace be ever before them. We lift up the family of Ann Appel and pray for her safety and for them in this time of great trial.
Father we ask for your continued blessing of good weather and light winds today. We stand on the power of our word that if it be your will you can tame our weather just as you did the Red Sea and the Jordan River for your people Israel. Yet not as our will, but your will be done.
Go before each and every one in this community as we process all that has happened this week. Calm our concerns for what is to come. Your love for us is an overwhelming force. We praise you for who you are.
In Jesus' name. Amen.
As Water Reflects A Face, So The Heart Reflects The Person
Proverbs 27:19
Shelter at West Jeff Middle School will now be closing for overnight shelter
Weather Forecast from the National Weather Service
Weather Forecast for the Lower North Fork Fire Region
As available at:
http://www.weather.gov/
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. West wind between 3 and 8 mph.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. West wind between 7 and 13 mph.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 70. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south southeast. Winds could gust as high as 16 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 44. Breezy, with a west southwest wind between 9 and 17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. Breezy, with a southwest wind between 6 and 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
Sunday Night: A slight chance of rain before midnight, then a chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
720-454-4968 is the number that current evacuees can call to schedule an appointment to go to their homes briefly.
. Mountain Resource Center is not able to accept furniture at this time but will coordinate requests with community members wishing to donate.
