Wildfire near Waterton Canyon, south of Conifer

A wildfire has been located near Waterton Canyon after much searching using a Multi-Mission Aircraft and ground crews spotting from Kuehster Rd and other places. It is approximately 2 acres in size and on USFS land so they will be handling it. Inter-Canyon Fire and Indian Hills Fire released from stand by.

We'll post any updates if we hear them.

Map of general area, not specific fire location (dot indicates Waterton Canyon):

Photo by Jim Morton, shared with permission. They do have air support on this with helicopters making water drops.


DC Sheriff‏ @dcsheriff
1:16 PM - 31 Aug 2017
Smoke can be seen at the top of Waterton Canyon in #DougCo @douglasoem & @PSICC_NF still enroute. Very remote area. No homes threatened.

Edit to add, photo by Resident‏ @RoxboroughPark 2 minutes ago
Chopper Dropping water on fire in the far distance

Update from @PSICC_NF: Fire Activity - Waterton Fire
MORRISON, CO., August 31, 2017 – 1730 (5:30pm MST)

Fire Name: Waterton

Size: estimated at 5 acres, burning in Gamble oak, timber, litter and brush
Cause: under investigation but there was a storm in the area Wednesday
Location: Pike National Forest, South Platte Ranger District in Douglas County
Agency Jurisdiction: U.S. Forest Service
Type of Terrain: steep, rugged and inaccessible
Resources:
On-Scene - Smokejumpers from Pocatello, ID
On-Order - air tankers, helicopters, hand crews and additional resources
According to Ranger Brian Banks, fire managers are assessing the situation and ordering resources. Much of the fire fight will take place from the air given the steep, rugged and inaccessible terrain. Denver area residents should expect to see smoke and aircraft at work. This fire is in a watershed that supplies 80% of drinking water to Denver residents. It is also surrounded by burned area from the Hayman Fire of 2002.
Partners: Denver Water and Douglas County

psiccfireinfo.blogspot.com/2017/08/fire-...n-fire.html?spref=tw

#WatertonFire

USFS_Pike&San Isabel‏ @PSICC_NF 25 minutes ago
#WatertonFire at 6 acres. Firefighters on scene and are building line around fire - 0% containment.
Roxborough and surrounding communities may experience strong smoke smell and drift smoke from the #WatertonFire

USFS_Pike&San Isabel‏ @PSICC_NF 23 seconds ago
#WatertonFire still 6 acres this morning. Air attack overhead and helicopter enroute. Firefighters on scene constructing line around fire.

Waterton Canyon to reopen Saturday
09/01/17

Sept. 1, 2017 — Waterton Canyon will reopen for recreation on Saturday, Sept. 2. The canyon was closed today to allow firefighters unobstructed access to a 6-acre fire, on U.S. Forest Service land in Douglas County.

The Waterton fire is currently burning on a ridge above Strontia Springs Reservoir.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, crews made good progress today completing a fire line around the Waterton fire, bringing containment to 20 percent. There was no significant growth on the fire today and the fire remains 6 acres in size. All aerial resources, except for one helicopter, were released from the fire. There are 15 firefighters on the scene working with the helicopter to cool hotspots and strengthening containment lines.

No Denver Water facilities or structures are threatened at this time.

Around noon yesterday, local jurisdictions responded with air tankers, helicopters and hand crews to begin fire suppression.

For questions on the fire, please contact the U.S. Forest Service fire information line at 719-299-1567.

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USFS_Pike&San Isabel‏ @PSICC_NF 5 hours ago
#WateronFire personnel are using a gridding pattern to find and eradicate hot spots within the fire perimeter. Fire activity is minimal.

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Fire Name: Waterton Fire

9/3/2017 11:00 am update:
The fire is now 50% contained. Personnel continue to reinforce handlines and cooling hot spots within the fire perimeter.

9/2/2017 5:30pm update:

Crews continue to reinforce control lines today. 1 Helicopter is on scene to assist with suppression and logistical support as needed. Waterton Canyon is now open however smoke may still be visible in the area. For more information on smoke and haze along the Colorado Front Range: www.colorado.gov/airquality/advisory.aspx


Time Reported: 8/31, 11:55
Location: Above Strontia Springs Reservoir in Waterton Canyon, Approximately 9 miles NW of Sedalia, CO
Resources: 1 Type 2 Crew, 6 Smoke Jumpers, numerous local fire personnel, 1 Helicopter
Size: 6 acres
Containment: 50%
Structures Threatened: None
Closures: Waterton Canyon is now open
Cause: Lightning
Fuels: Gamble oak, timber, litter and brush
Terrain: steep, rugged and inaccessible
#WatertonFire

According to Ranger Brian Banks, fire managers are assessing the situation and ordering resources. Much of the fire fight will take place from the air given the steep, rugged and inaccessible terrain. Denver area residents should expect to see smoke and aircraft at work. This fire is in a watershed that supplies 80% of drinking water to Denver residents.
Partners: Denver Water and Douglas County

USFS_Pike&San Isabel‏ @PSICC_NF 13 hours ago
#WateronFire is now 100% contained! #Firefighters will continue looking for hot spots and back-hauling supplies of the fire.