Colorado Wildfire Update: October 4



Highway 13 Fire

Fire Jurisdiction:  BLM

Location/County:  15 miles north of Rifle, Colorado.

Cause:  Human Caused (still under investigation)

Acres:  991 Acres

Containment:   5%

Evacuations/Closures:  None at this time.

Fatalities/Injuries:  None reported

Structures Lost/Damaged:  None at this time and none threatened.

Significant Events: Strong west winds kept the east flank of the fire active, although aircraft and firefighters were able to keep the activity in check.   Significant air resources were used in conjunction with smoke jumpers on the active east flank to keep the fire from spreading. Firefighters on the ground will continue to build containment lines where possible. Aircraft will continue to be key in the rugged areas.  The fire is in rugged and rough terrain.

Resources: Personnel:  150.  Three heavy helicopters, a light helicopter, two single-engine air tankers and a heavy air tanker are all working the fire. Eight smokejumpers jumped to the fire and assisted the aircraft working the top of the Grand Hogback. One of the heavy helicopters is a Chinook from the National Guard in Gypsum.

Source of Information:  Press Release from BLM PIO David Boyd, www.inciweb.org, www.garcopublicinfo.org, and Twitter: @garco911, @garcopio


There are several freeze and frost warnings in effect across the state of Colorado, however, no active watches, warnings or advisories related to fire danger.  For more information go to http://www.weather.gov/alerts-beta/co.php?x=1

Resources for updates on wildfires:
About this report: This wildfire update is provided by the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in partnership with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control to keep you informed of current wildfires for which the State is currently supporting and monitoring. The update does not cover all wildfires currently burning in Colorado that may be smaller incidents.