Fire near the Historic Platte River (Lower North Fork Fire)

Communications quieting. Units deployed to various spots. Likely become more active in the AM

Our prayers go out to the family.

1 Dead; Hundreds Evacuated In Path Of 3,000-Acre Jeffco Fire
DenverChannel News Team
UPDATED: 11:29 pm MDT March 26, 2012

CONIFER, Colo -- A huge wildfire burning in the Front Range Foothills west of Denver Monday left one dead and prompted hundreds of evacuations, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said Monday night.

The sheriff's office confirmed one death from the fire late Monday night but did not release details.

Per jeffcosheriffco:

Lower North Fork Fire is predominantly burning on the ground with some fire in the tree canopies. Officials anticipate the fire to burn for an extended period of time. Current winds are at about 20 MPH – 30 MPH and are blowing in all directions.

Homes have been lost in the Kuester Road area but there is no confirmation on the number of structures affected. Fire crews will be out all night focusing on structure protection.

Spotting has been seen ½ - 1 mile ahead of the fire which indicates the fire is still active and moving.

A Type 1 Incident Management Team has been ordered and should be on site in the next day or two. Air support is also on order but that will be purely dependant on the wind. Tomorrow’s fire behavior: Erratic fire behavior will most likely result due to swift and shifting winds.

Conifer High School Shelter has 90 people and 65 dogs on site. Shelter at Chatfield High is functioning as an information clearing house but is also available for sheltering evacuees.

Due to extreme fire conditions, entrance into affected areas to rescue animals is prohibited. If you need help or have animals in need of evacuation, call the Jeffco Sheriff’s Office for assistance at 303-271-0211.

That wraps up the current update on the Lower North Fork Fire. The next media briefing will be at 630 at the Elk Creek Fire Station 1.

Concern about a hot spot at keuster and eagle vista.

Confirmed maxwell hill road - not drive.

Jeffco Sheriff Office confirms closures still in place: Pleasant Park Road, Hwy 285 - Deer Creek Canyon; Foxton Road, Hwy 285 - River Road

UPDATE: 0% containment, 3,050 acres burned, 900 homes evacuated, 450 more firefighters on their way

Per Jeffco.... For emergencies Dial 911. For non-emergencies dial 303-271-0211.

https://p.twimg.com/Ao_sPk3CEAIlS74.jpg:medium

Smoke map.