Information from the Pine Ridge Fire Public Information Officer
Weather:
Another
day of hot, dry conditions with southwest winds. Winds will be light, five miles per hour
early in the day and increase to 15 miles per hour, with gusts up to 25 miles
per hour by mid-afternoon. The
Haines Index, which measures the stability and dryness of air over a fire, is
six, which is the highest measure for this index. This indicates that there is a high potential
for extreme fire behavior, intensity and growth.
Current Situation:
Yesterday, firefighters took advantage of downslope winds to conduct
burnout operations that will aid in strengthening firelines for today’s
expected weather. A wind shift is
expected that will test the north, northeast and southeast parts of the
fire. Today, fire crews will work with
aviation resources to tie fire line to the Colorado River and suppress hot
areas of the fireline. In addition,
Union Pacific is working with firefighters to help them gain access and deliver
water by rail.
Due to numerous
resource concerns, like oil and gas well locations, cultural resources,
threatened and endangered species, and the Wild Horse range, four resource
advisors from the area are working with firefighters to ensure protection of
resources during suppression efforts.
Evacuations and Public Safety:
Mesa County Sheriff’s office, Bureau
of Land Management, Colorado Department of Transportation, Union Pacific, and
utility companies, have been critical in coordinating with the Rocky Mountain
Incident Management Team on public safety.
They will remain involved throughout the remainder of the fire activity.
Mesa County residents can
register for the Emergency Notification through the City of Grand Junction
website at: www.gjcity.org. This will allow
911 operators to notify residents by land line and cell phone of emergencies or
evacuation orders being reinstated.
1-70 is currently
open but travelers should be aware that road closures could be implemented if
fire activity warrants. Check with
Colorado Department of Transportation at www.cotrip.org
for latest updates on road closures across the State of Colorado.
Community Meeting:
A community meeting is
scheduled today at 5:30 p.m. at The Community Center, 397 Minter Ave.,
DeBeque.
Fire Statistics:
Location: 13
miles east of Grand Junction, CO in the Bookcliffs
Start Date:
June 27, 2012
Size: 12,752 acres
Percent Contained: 25
Cause: Lightning
Total Personnel:
Approximately 321
Resources Include: 2
Type 1 hand crews, 5 Type 2 hand crews, 32 engines, 2 watertenders, and overhead personnel
Air Resources: 3
helicopters, 1 Skycrane, 4 heavy air tankers, fixed wing support
Cost: $986,561
Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team: Bill Hahnenberg,
Incident Commander
Fire Information (970) 456-3623
Email:
pineridgefireinfo@gmail.com
Hours of operation: 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
