Information from the Pine Ridge Fire Public Information Officer
Weather: There
is a chance of storms in the afternoon with little chance of measureable rain. Lightning and gusty winds will be
concerns. The outflow winds create an
opportunity for fire to burn in different directions into unburned fuels. Temperature will be in the 90’s, and humidity
will be low, creating hot and dry conditions for today.
Current Situation: Crews were successful in meeting priority objectives yesterday, which
included keeping fire from crossing the Colorado River and south of Shale
Ridge. Today’s focus will be to work the
south area of the fire, utilizing helicopters to drop water on hot spots, mop
up areas where the fire has been and patrol areas for any spotting across
existing fire line.
A Burned Area
Emergency Response (BAER) team has been ordered; they will begin to evaluate
the area for any resource damage. The
BAER team will prescribe and implement
emergency treatments to minimize threats to life or property. They also recommend treatments to stabilize or
prevent further degradation to natural and cultural resources resulting from
the effects of a fire. However, in the event it is possible, natural recovery
is preferable.
Evacuations and Public Safety: Mesa County Sheriff’s office
wants residents in many parts of eastern Mesa County to remember a
pre-evacuation order is still in effect and they encourage residents to remain
vigilant and ready to leave again. 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.
Prevention: Fire danger is on everyone’s minds right now. Colorado is experiencing high and extreme
fire danger. The public is urged to adhere
to the statewide open burn ban and ban on private use of fireworks. Check with Mesa County or visit Colorado
Division of Emergency Management at http://www.coemergency.com/p/fire-bans-and-fire-danger-rating.html.
Fire Statistics:
Location: 13
miles east of Grand Junction, CO in the Bookcliffs
Start Date:
June 27, 2012
Size: 13,731 acres
Percent Contained: 35
Cause:
Lightning
Total Personnel: 422
Cost: $1,646,167
Resources Include: 3 Type 1 hand crews,
5 Type 2 hand crews, 38 engines, 3 water tenders, and
overhead personnel
Air Resources: 6
helicopters, 1 Skycrane, and fixed wing support
