Update on Brush Creek, Bear and Powell Fires: July 20

Information from incident Public Information Office

Aerial resources available today are two helitankers, two type II helicopters, one type III helicopter and one heavy air tanker.

The Brush Creek, Bear and Powell fires will share these resources as needed with the Brush Creek Fire being the highest priority.

Brush Creek Fire
The hot shot crews are beginning uphill fireline construction in steep rocky terrain. The helicopters will support their work by cooling the fire's edge with water drops. The Incident Commander reported that even when fireline is constructed there will be much work to secure the line and mop up.

STATS
450 acres
30% contained (100% projected for late July 21)
Resources: 5 engines, 2 type II hand crews, and 3 hot shot crews

Focus today is establishing line around the five structures west of the fire (it was originally reported that there were two structures to the west, but that information was updated last night). An FFA communication tower sitting two and half miles north of the fire is not directly threatened.

Located in Garfield County, on Bureau of Land Management, 30 miles south of Rangely.

Bear Fire
Engine crews report the fire is looking good and they do not need any aerial support.

STATS
6 acres
50% contained
Resources: 2 engines

There are oil and gas facilities in the vicinity. The fire is located 17 miles southwest of Meeker in Rio Blanco County.

Powell Fire
The fire has been actively burning in pinion/juniper trees. The main objective is to keep the fire from burning on to private land south of the fire. There are structures one and one half miles south of the incident. One of the helitankers and one SEAT has been requested to assist the engine and hand crew.

STATS
250 acres
Resources: 1 type II hand crew, 2 engines

Predominately on BLM land with some private land. Located eight miles northwest of Meeker in Rio Blanco County.

Fire Information Line: 970-826-5108