Vegetation Fire West of Loveland - Reservoir Road Fire

Per WGBCC News and Notes :

9/12 1446 RMC Thomas' Type 1 Team re-assigned to the Reservoir Fire (CO-LRX).

Per Larimer County:

The following information update has been made for: Reservoir Road Fire

The Reservoir Road Fire is still actively burning but at a slower rate than earlier. We can report that earlier published reports that the fire was 1,000 to 2,000 acres were in error and that the best now, based on GPS coordinates is around 650 acres. Apparently, at least one structure - most probably a home, has been lost plus four other out buildings and an RV. It is too early to get into the burned area and document what else may have been lost. We are all hoping that number does not grow. There is no estimate on when this fire will be officially contained or controlled but you can be certain that it will be several days from now. That does not mean that fire growth will continue for days - only that we will need some time before, at a minimum, a control line is put in place around the entire perimeter.
The city of Loveland has been maintaining a web page and that address is as follows: [url=http://www.cityofloveland.org;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;]http://www.cityofloveland.org;[/url] there is also another reporting site where information can be found and that is http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2123 .
Tonight, even though fire growth has slowed, we'll be hitting it hard with engines and ground crews. Tomorrow, numerous additional Type I hand crews will be brought in for line building and we will have the aircraft back working with water and retardant drops. Tomorrow's weather is expected to be hot but at least not with the gusty winds which were a problem today. There is still no definitive word on the cause of the fire but it seems to have originated with a small grass fire. It spread remarkably quickly in the dry flashy fuel. We are endeavoring to get a rough number of the people evacuated or at least contacted with the request to leave immediately. We will provide that information when available.
One more item, the fine folks at United Way / 211 are assisting us as they assisted those in Boulder last week. They are maintaining a good web site for those affected by the fire and you can visit by going to [url=http://www.uwaylc.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;]http://www.uwaylc.org[/url].
We will update after the morning briefing tomorrow unless unforeseen circumstances require an earlier advisement. Also, be advised that if you dial 498-5500, you may get a recording during off hours but will be able to speak with a public information officer if all lines are not tied up. We expect to have Public Information Officers working the phones starting at 8 a.m. on Monday.
For evacuation center information and other matters, please refer to the previous posting.


For complete information on this emergency, see
http://www.larimer.org/emergency/emerge ... ?nam_id=66

Per Larimer County:

The following information update has been made for: Reservoir Road Fire

The fire was fairly quiet last night with with no reported growth. We had engines with firefighters and two hot shot crews working the line, primarily on the south flank. Estimated containment is approximately 10%. Evacuations continue to be enforced and no residents will be allowed back in until it is determined to be safe. I'm sorry but I cannot tell you when that evac order will be lifted in part or whole. Regarding animal eveacuations and feeding, the Humane Society of Larimer County is the focus of our efforts and they can be reached for assistance at 226-3647 X5.
I reiterate that prior posts should be reviewed here for information, among other things, on United Way and 211 efforts in assisting those who have been affected by the fire. Those wishing to donate can also contact 211 to make your offer known to us. They will record all such offers and we can act as needed on them. They can also be reached on the web at [url=http://www.uwaylc.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;]http://www.uwaylc.org[/url].
We have as yet unconfirmed although fairly reliable reports of two homes (addresses unknown) having been lost and perhaps four out buildings as well as the RV previously noted. No other structures are known to have been lost at present and keeping it that way will be the highest priority for us.
Today's weather will be hot but with much calmer conditions allowing the multiple ground crews, aircraft and engines to make good progress and it is hoped such will be reported this evening as having happened. The inversion has lifted and the aircraft are flying again.There is a map of the Reservoir Road Fire which is now or very shortly will be posted as a link at [url=http://www.larimer.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;]http://www.larimer.org[/url]. We will update this if the fire grows. Lets all hope this is the only map we'll need for the balance of this incident. And here comes the lecture: lets all be extremely careful with fire always but especially until our hot, dry conditions moderate somewhat. We don't need anymore surprises.


For complete information on this emergency, see
http://www.larimer.org/emergency/emerge ... ?nam_id=66

Per Larimer County:

The following information update has been made for: Reservoir Road Fire

The Reservoir Road Fire, currently at an estimated 900 acres, is reported to be 20% contained. Multiple aircraft both air tankers and helicopters are committed as are several fire crews for line construction and maintenance. A Type I IMT will take the fire at 1800 today. The fire was man caused from slash or debris burning. No decisions have yet been made regarding criminal citations but that may change within 24 hours.
Two homes and perhaps four out buildings are confirmed destroyed along with an RV. No other homes are presently known to have suffered equivalent damage or otherwise. The evacuation area was a radius of 4 miles centered at the point of origin of the fire - apparently the north western tip of Pinewood and that included 200 structures but definitely, not all were homes or primary residences. Numerous sheds, unoccupied buildings, etc. are included in that figure. We do not know at this time the number of homes evacuated and cannot say at this time when the evacuation orders will be lifted.
In short - the fire behaved itself pretty well today and we have made good progress. We will again have crews working night shift and hope to report even more progress by tomorrow morning. One item of note regarding tomorrow: the Sheriff's Office has approached the County Commissioners with the recommendation that fire restrictions or an outright ban similar to what Boulder County enacted be put in place. We can't speak for the Commissioners but it is very likely that some restrictions or a ban will in fact be approved. It has been recommended to commence at noon tomorrow and to last until November 1st, unless rescinded sooner (which we would anticipate, given normal weather).
I ask that you review prior post for other information including other sites for information, including the County Emergency Information Line at 498-5500, and to note that we have posted a fire map at the larimer.org home page. If there is significant new information based upon any briefings this evening, we will post it here. Otherwise, please check in again tomorrow morning for developments


For complete information on this emergency, see
http://www.larimer.org/emergency/emerge ... ?nam_id=66

From InciWeb:

INCIDENT UPDATED 26 MIN. AGO
Incident Overview

The Type I Team currently managing the Fourmile Canyon Fire west of Boulder assumed management of the fire at 7 p.m. last night. Crews monitored hot areas of the fire overnight. Today crews will continue to work on line construction around the perimeter of the fire and structure protection. The fire is burning in Larimer County, predominately on private land.



Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Human Caused
Date of Origin Sunday September 12th, 2010 approx. 10:00 AM
Location 4 miles west of Loveland, CO
Incident Commander Jim Thomas

Current Situation
Total Personnel 349
Size 925 acres
Percent Contained 20%
Fuels Involved Fuel Model 10: Timber (litter and understory) also models 2,8

Fire Behavior The fire area saw high temperatures and low humidity yesterday. The most active portion of the fire was moving to the west/northwest. The fire is moving slowly in rugged, steep, rocky terrain, mostly in heavy timber.

Significant Events Fire is burning north to confluence of Cottonwood Creek. Spread has been to north in Cottonwood Gulch. Heavy helicopters supporting ground efforts in extremely steep and hazardous terrain.


Outlook
Planned Actions Protection of structures within and adjacent to fire perimeter and fireline construction along perimeter.

Growth Potential Medium

Terrain Difficulty Extreme

Remarks The Thomas' Great Basin Type 1 Incident Management Team that is managing the Fourmile Canyon Fire assumed command of this incident as of 7 p.m. tonight.


Current Weather
Wind Conditions 10 mph SE
Temperature 82 degrees
Humidity 10%

Reservoir Road Fire Update September 14, 2010 9:30 Am
Incident: Reservoir Road Fire Wildfire
Released: 1:46 hrs. ago

Reservoir Road Fire Update

For Immediate Release Sept. 14, 2010 9:30 a.m.

Fire Information: Hours of operation 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

970-498-5500 for general public or

970-498-5371 for media

Website Info: [url=http://www.inciweb.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;]http://www.inciweb.org[/url]

Email:


General Information/Announcements:

Thomas' Great Basin Type 1 Incident Management Team took command of the fire at 7 p.m. last night. Additional resources from the Fourmile Canyon fire are being reassigned to assist with suppression efforts.

Closures/Advisories/Evacuations:

Evacuations: Evacuations are in effect for a four-mile radius from Pinewood Reservoir. A shelter has been established at the Church of Loveland located at 3835 SW 14th St.

An alert, directing residents to be prepared for possible future evacuations, was issued to a number of other areas, including Storm Mountain, Cedar Park and Bartram Park subdivisions.

Closures: All roads above the intersection of County Road 18E and County Road 31.

Donations: Donations are being accepted for those residents displaced by the fire. For more information on what is needed call 211. Donations can be taken to 629 SW 14th St., Loveland, CO. Please do not bring any items to fire camp as firefighters are well cared for on the incident.

Today's Activity:

Today firefighters will focus on protecting structures and constructing handline to contain the fire. Structures within and adjacent to the fire perimeter will be evaluated and secured. Due to the inaccessibility of the north flank of the fire, 12 Type 1 hand crews (hot shots) have been assigned to that area. These crews are the most experienced and are able to deal with difficult fire situations.

The weather forecast is calling for winds to shift throughout the day and a chance of thunderstorms. Firefighters are on alert for increased fire behavior due to steep terrain and combustible vegetation in the area. These conditions are favorable for more active fire behavior as the firefighters work carefully towards containment.

Quick Fire Facts:

Date started: 09/12/2010

Location: 4 miles W of Loveland, CO

Percent Contained: 20%

Number of Personnel: 13 Type 1 crews (hot shots), 3 Type 2 crews

Equipment: 22 engines, 8 water tenders

Cause: Human

Size: 925 acres

Aircraft: helicopters 4 large

Retardant: 97,500 (cumulative)

Cost to Date: $ 595,000

Injuries: 1

Residences threatened: 200

Residences detroyed: 2

Per InciWeb:

INCIDENT UPDATED 2 MIN. AGO
Incident Overview

The Type I Team currently managing the Fourmile Canyon Fire west of Boulder assumed management of the fire at 7 p.m. last night. Crews monitored hot areas of the fire overnight. Today crews will continue to work on line construction around the perimeter of the fire and structure protection. There will continue to be air support, including four helicopters, supporting 14 20-person hand crews today. Air tankers are on standby if needed. The fire is burning in Larimer County, predominately on private land.

Larimer County Sheriff is requesting that evacuees come by the Bison Visitor Center at Carter Lake County Park as soon as possible to register and receive their pass for temporary re-entry. Escorted re-entry from the Bison Visitor Center into the evacuated area will occur at 3 p.m. and residents must be out by 7 p.m. today (September 14, 2010). If fire conditions change, residents may not be allowed to enter or may have to leave before 7 p.m.



Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Human Caused
Date of Origin Sunday September 12th, 2010 approx. 10:00 AM
Location 4 miles west of Loveland, CO
Incident Commander Jim Thomas

Current Situation
Total Personnel 427
Size 925 acres
Percent Contained 20%
Fuels Involved Fuel Model 10: Timber (litter and understory) also models 2,8

Fire Behavior The fire area saw high temperatures and low humidity yesterday, with similar expected today. The most active portion of the fire was moving to the west/northwest. The fire is moving slowly in rugged, steep, rocky terrain, mostly in heavy timber.

Significant Events Fire is burning north to confluence of Cottonwood Creek. Spread has been to north in Cottonwood Gulch. Heavy helicopters supporting ground efforts in extremely steep and hazardous terrain.


Outlook
Planned Actions Protection of structures within and adjacent to fire perimeter and fireline construction along perimeter.

Growth Potential Medium

Terrain Difficulty Extreme

Remarks The Thomas' Great Basin Type 1 Incident Management Team that is managing the Fourmile Canyon Fire assumed command of this incident as of 7 p.m. last night.


Current Weather
Wind Conditions 15 mph SE
Temperature 82 degrees
Humidity 10%

Per Larimer County:

The following information update has been made for: Reservoir Road Fire

The Reservoir Road Fire remains rather quiet (maintaining at approx. 925 acres), due in great part to the efforts of 14 hand crews 4 helitakers and an over all staff in all fire positions of 427. All air tankers are on standby at this time.We have lost two homes and assorted out buildings and vehicles. But this could have been a great deal worse. It shold be noted that any optimism we have regarding our efforts are currently tempered by the fact that we are due for some bad fire weather tomorrow: upper 80s with humidities in the lower teens plus wind of perhaps 20-25 with possible gusts to 40. We are taking this forecast very seriously and will be doing as much line construction and mopping up as possible on critical sectors prior to tomorrow.
As many of you are aware, limited access to homes which were evacuated will be allowed under escort between 3 and 7 p.m. this afternoon. We are signing up people for this and passing out important information packets on recovery resources, health issues related to food gone bad in refrigerators, etc. Ths will take place at the Bison Center immediately below Flatiron Reservoir. We are also going to be signing people up for car passes for when unlimited, yet conditional re-entry will be allowed (the weather tomorrow will play a big part in that decision).
Please also note that Larimer County has now gone to formally adopted fire restrictions. A summation of this action by the County Commissioners is located on the face page to this report at larimer.org/emergency on the right side.
I also urge you all to access a web page which mirrors the information available here and which will continue to post thru tyhe incident. The fire has been handed off to a Incident Management Team and they will utilize the following for information disperal. Consequently, I will cease postings here perhaps tomorrow. The site you should bookmark for the duration is - [url=http://inciweb.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;]http://inciweb.org[/url] and click on Reservoir Road.

For complete information on this emergency, see
http://www.larimer.org/emergency/emerge ... ?nam_id=66

Per InciWeb:

INCIDENT UPDATED 10 HRS. AGO
Incident Overview

The Type I Team currently managing the Fourmile Canyon Fire west of Boulder assumed management of the fire at 7 p.m. last night. Crews monitored hot areas of the fire overnight. Today crews will continue to work on line construction around the perimeter of the fire and structure protection. There will continue to be air support, including four helicopters, supporting 14 20-person hand crews today. Air tankers are on standby if needed. The fire is burning in Larimer County, predominately on private land.

The fire is looking good today and the estimated containment is expected to increase by the end of the day due to the amount of line construction firefighters are building.

Larimer County Sheriff is requesting that evacuees come by the Bison Visitor Center at Carter Lake County Park as soon as possible to register and receive their pass for temporary re-entry. Escorted re-entry from the Bison Visitor Center into the evacuated area will occur at 3 p.m. today (September 14, 2010). If fire conditions change, residents may not be allowed to enter or may have to leave quickly.



Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Human Caused
Date of Origin Sunday September 12th, 2010 approx. 10:00 AM
Location 4 miles west of Loveland, CO
Incident Commander Jim Thomas

Current Situation
Total Personnel 557
Size 710 acres
Percent Contained 35%
Fuels Involved Fuel Model 10: Timber (litter and understory) also models 2,8

Fire Behavior The fire area saw high temperatures and low humidity yesterday, with similar expected today. The most active portion of the fire was moving to the west/northwest. The fire is moving slowly in rugged, steep, rocky terrain, mostly in heavy timber.

Significant Events Significant progress made today on containment along south and east flanks of the fire. Continued structure protection and mop-up around interior structures.


Outlook
Planned Actions Continue line construction along west and north flanks and continue mop-up of interior islands of unburned fuels.

Growth Potential Low

Terrain Difficulty Extreme

Remarks Reduction of acres due to GPS mapping. Transfer of command to Thomas' Eastern Great Basin Incident Management Type 1 Team on September 13 at 1900 hours.

INCIDENT UPDATED 7 MIN. AGO
Incident Overview

The Type I Team currently managing the Fourmile Canyon Fire west of Boulder assumed management of the fire at 7 p.m. on September 13. Today crews will continue to work on line construction around the perimeter of the fire. There will continue to be air resources supporting ground crews today, with air tankers standing by if needed. The fire is burning in Larimer County, predominately on private land.

There is a Red Flag Warning for the area of the fire; however, winds over the fire are expected to be less than in other areas of the warning. Evacuated residents are expected to be let back in later today. There will be more information by the 2 p.m. briefing. The power company is working on restoring power to the area. The "alert" has been lifted for Bartram Park, Cedar Park and Storm Mountain.



Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Human Caused
Date of Origin Sunday September 12th, 2010 approx. 10:00 AM
Location 4 miles west of Loveland, CO
Incident Commander Jim Thomas

Current Situation
Total Personnel 557
Size 710 acres
Percent Contained 35%
Estimated Containment Date Friday September 17th, 2010 approx. 06:00 PM
Fuels Involved Fuel Model 10: Timber (litter and understory) also models 2,8

Fire Behavior The fire area saw high temperatures and low humidity yesterday, with similar expected today. The most active portion of the fire was moving to the west/northwest. The fire is moving slowly in rugged, steep, rocky terrain, mostly in heavy timber.

Significant Events Significant progress made yesterday on containment along south and east flanks of the fire. Continued structure protection and mop-up around interior structures.


Outlook
Planned Actions Continue line construction along west and north flanks and continue mop-up of interior islands of unburned fuels.

Growth Potential Low

Terrain Difficulty Extreme

Remarks Reduction of acres due to GPS mapping. Transfer of command to Thomas' Eastern Great Basin Incident Management Type 1 Team on September 13 at 1900 hours. The containment percentage is likely to go by the end of today.