Showing posts with label incidents. Show all posts
Showing posts with label incidents. Show all posts

Stuart Hole Fire Update

Information provided by Stuart Hole Fire Public Information Officer:  June 5 at 3:31 p.m.


The cause of the Stuart Hole Fire has been determined to be lightning. Latest size figure is 227 acres with 45% containment. No additional structures have been reported damaged other than the two to three out buildings previously reported. No injuries reported.

The evacuations remain in place.

The media briefing scheduled for this evening has been changed. The briefing will now occur at 8:30 p.m. at the Livermore Fire Department located at 311 CR74E in Livermore. Media outlets are asked to stage no later than 8:00 p.m. Tonight's briefing will include the latest updates from the command briefing being held earlier. A press release with the same information presented at the press briefing will be sent out around the same time.

John Schulz
Public Information Officer
Larimer County Sheriff's Office
970-980-2501

Stuart Hole Fire Information Update

Information provided by Stuart Hole Fire Public Information Officer:  June 5 at 12:18 p.m.


The latest information for the Stuart Hole Fire shows approximately 227 acres involved now. GPS mapping is helping get a better number. We are still at 0% containment. No reports of additional structures damaged other than the two to three out buildings previously reported.

The Type 1 helicopter has arrived and is working with the Type 3 helicopter, and the Single Engine Air Tanker. An Air Attack control plane is also working the fire.

The U.S. Forest Service Roosevelt Hotshots have arrived to fight the fire as well as the Canon City Crew made up of inmate workers.

A preliminary Stuart Hole Fire map made prior to the latest GPS mapping walk.

Our partners at the United Way have developed a Resource and Recovery Guide for people who have been or might be affected by the Stuart Hole Fire. It can be found at http://uwaylc.org/get-help/emergency-resources/ .

A media tour of the fire area is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. this afternoon, leaving from the site of the media briefings at CR80C and CR82E.

Reports from the scene indicate that the predicted winds are starting to occur. Winds are expected to reach 30 to 40 mph this afternoon.

John Schulz
Public Information Officer
Larimer County Sheriff's Office
970-980-2501

Stuart Hole Fire Relief and Recovery Assistance Guide

Information provided by United Way Larimer County - Colorado 2-1-1

The purpose of this Relief and Recovery Guide is to connect Colorado residents affected by the Stuart Hole Fire with disaster assistance and information. The Guide lists information on many programs and agencies. Updates and verification are continuously being made to this document. Updates are available at will be available at http://uwaylc.org/get-help/emergency-resources/ .

Stuart Hole Fire Media Tour

Information received from the Stuart Hole Fire Public Information Officer:  June 5 at 11:00 a.m.


There will be an escorted media tour of the Stuart Hole Fire at 1:00 p.m. today, leaving from the site of the press briefings at CR80C and CR82E.

NOMEX and other FIRE PROTECTION GEAR IS REQUIRED. We do not have any extra gear to loan so you must provide your own.

Space is limited, so depending on the number of people who want to participate, pool arrangements may have to be made.

The tour is expected to last about 45 minutes.

John Schulz
Public Information Officer
Larimer County Sheriff's Office

Sunrise Mine Fire Update

Press Release from Sunrise Mine Fire Public Information Officer:  June 1 at 10:00 a.m.



Sunrise Mine Fire Update
Rocky Basin 2 Incident Management Team
Incident Commander: Rich Harvey
For Immediate Release: June 1, 2012 8:00 a.m.
Fire Information: (435) 619-1651 or(208) 866-2009
Email: rockybasin1@gmail.com; subject line “Info”
(Daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.)
Fire Facts:
Date started: May 25, 2012
Number of Personnel: 616
Location: SW of Gateway, Colorado
Crews: 11 Type 1 (Hotshots) and 8 Type 2
Size: 6,192 acres
Engines: 11
Percent Contained: 85%
Water Tenders: 12
Estimated Containment: June 3, 2012
Cause: Human (Specific cause inconclusive)
Dozers: 1
Helicopters: 2 Type 1, 1 Type 2 and 3 Type 3
Structures threatened: 10 residences,
15 outbuildings/other
Injuries to Date: 2
Cost to Date: $2,449,543


Notice: No further morning updates will follow. Evening updates will continue until the fire is contained.

Special Notice:
An area of closure is in effect for Carpenter Ridge in Colorado and Utah, Sinbad Ridge in Colorado and Utah, Buckeye Basin to include the Buckeye Campground, and all Manti-La Salle National Forest Lands in Colorado north of Willow Basin Creek/Buckeye Creek to include forest roads 54135, 50377, 50371, 50378, 54150, 54755, 54145, 50373, 50358, 54755, 54148, 54132 and forest trail 50965.

Today’s Events:
Firefighters plan to take full advantage of favorable atmospheric conditions today as they draw close to containment. Some crews are being relieved of their assignments in response to improving conditions. Crews will continue to monitor fire hazards and remain prepared to respond to fire threats. As always, firefighter and public safety is the number one priority in conducting wildland firefighting operations.
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Little Sand Fire Update

Press Release from Little Sand Fire Public Information Officer:  June 1 at 10:30 a.m.


News Release

June 1, 2012 7:00 a.m. (MST)
Contact: Laura McConnell, PIO
Email: theLittleSandFire@Gmail.com
Phone: 970.444.2201 Staffed from 8am – 9pm
24 Hour - Recorded Message: 970.264.4731 

*** PUBLIC MEETING SCHEDULED ***
Saturday, June 2nd beginning 2:30 p.m. at Sportsman’s Campground

Morning Update – Friday, June 1, 2012 

Pagosa Springs, CO– Fire was less active yesterday. There was little growth on the northwest side with some growth on the southwest corner towards Sand Creek. Crews successfully reached 6% containment on the south end of the fire.

Conditions today are expected to be similar. The potential for thunderstorms in the area may cause shifting winds which could affect fire behavior, however today’s plan incorporates any possible scenarios that may arise. 

Plans for today:
Div A - (upper northeast)
San Juan hotshot crews, who arrived yesterday, will be flying the Trail Creek drainage to assess opportunities for keeping the fire out of Trail Creek. Crew will continue to work on, and hold the spot east of Trail Creek.

Div B – (southwest side)
Crews will monitor fire backing down drainage, keeping fire out of Trail Creek.

Div Y – (upper northwest)
Crews will continue to hold the fire by the Piedra River and Sand Creek, and monitor the northwest corner by air.

Structure group
An expanded closure order was put in place as of yesterday afternoon. Updated closures of roads, trails and campgrounds can be found at: continues to mitigate around structures in Weminuche Valley, but will be working more in the Sportsman’s Campground area. http://tinyurl.com/LittleSandClosures

Donations for firefighters:
Firefighters are national resources that require specific training and nutrition to sustain the hard work they complete on a daily basis. As a highly trained resource, the demands of their job require that they maintain good nutritional values. On incidents, Food Unit Leaders work with caterers to ensure that food needs are met. Although we appreciate the outpouring of support from our communities, food donations to an incident can become difficult to manage and provide food that does not meet the nutritional needs of our fire crews. Firefighters most appreciate the "thank you" signs that they pass on the way to work, and the thank you cards that we can post and put in their lunches.
"Crews are making great progress on the line" as stated by Incident Commander Todd Pechota. "We appreciate the patience of cooperating agencies and the affected communities".

Fire Stats at a glance:
Start Date
: May 13th, 2012
Cause
: Lightning
Acreage
: 4,280
Personnel
: 237
Crews
: 6
Cooperating Agencies
: Hinsdale County, Archuleta County, USFS, CSFS
Aviation: (
1)-Type 1 Helicopter, (1)-Type 3 Helicopter, Air Attack; A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains.
Engines
: 5
Injuries
: 1
Structures destroyed
: 0
Structures threatened
: 20 including outbuildings Cost to date: $1,250,000

Sunrise Mine Fire Update

Press Release from the Sunrise Mine Fire Public Information Officers

Sunrise Mine Fire Update
Rocky Basin 2 Incident Management Team
Incident Commander: Rich Harvey
For Immediate Release: May 30, 2012 9:00 p.m.
Fire Information: (435) 619-1651 or(208) 866-2009
Email: rockybasin1@gmail.com; subject line “Info”
(Daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.)
Fire Facts:
Date started: May 25, 2012
Number of Personnel: 621
Location: SW of Gateway, Colorado
Crews: 11 Type 1 (Hotshots) and 8 Type 2
Size: 6,130 acres
Engines: 10
Percent Contained: 70%
Water Tenders: 11
Estimated Containment: June 3,2012
Cause: Under investigation
Dozers: 1
Helicopters: 2 Type 1, 1 Type 2 and 3 Type 3
Structures threatened: 10 residences,
15 outbuildings/other
Injuries to Date: 2
Cost to Date: $1,948,879


Special Notice:
An area of closure is in effect for Carpenter Ridge in Colorado and Utah, Sinbad Ridge in Colorado and Utah, Buckeye Basin to include the Buckeye Campground, and all Manti-La Salle National Forest Lands in Colorado north of Willow Basin Creek/Buckeye Creek to include forest roads 54135, 50377, 50371, 50378, 54150, 54755, 54145, 50373, 50358, 54755, 54148, 54132 and forest trail 50965.

Today’s Events:
Firefighters made significant progress today holding and reinforcing existing containment lines while at the same time other crews were constructing new line in the last remaining sections of the fire perimeter. A passing cold front at midday today produced a change in wind direction. This test of the line on the northeast sector produced only a minor increase in acreage. Crews in the southwest and northeast portions of the fire were aided by helicopter water drops and air tanker retardant drops. These drops are utilized to cool the flames for firefighter safety and improve line construction efficiency. Structure protection is in place on private lands north of the fire in Sinbad Valley and on private lands west of the fire. Light winds and slightly higher relative humidity is predicted for tomorrow which should allow for continued line improvement. As always, firefighter and public safety is the number one priority in conducting wildland firefighting operations.
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Little Sand Fire Update

Press Release and Map from Little Sand Fire Public Information Officers:  May 31, 2012 at 9:00 a.m.


News Release
May 30, 2012, 9:00 a.m. (MST)
Contact: Laura McConnell, PIO
Email: theLittleSandFire@Gmail.com
Phone: 970.444.2201 – 8am – 9pm
24 Hour - Recorded Message: 970.264.4731
*** PUBLIC MEETING SCHEDULED ***
Saturday, June 2nd beginning 2:30 p.m. at Sportsman’s Campground


Morning Update – Thursday, May 31, 2012
Pagosa Springs, CO – Light smoke settled in the area of Pagosa Springs this morning from the Little Sand Fire. Yesterday crews working on the southeast portion of the fire (Division Y) experienced increased fire activity late in the afternoon which put up smoke that was visible from Pagosa Springs.

Yesterday’s Progress:
The structure protection group worked on the northeast area of the fire (Division A) removing brush and trees from around structures. This work is being done as a precautionary effort to create defensible space around homes and structures in the area. Crews worked in the public fuel wood area near Sportsman’s Campground removing limbs and ladder fuels. Ladder fuels provide vertical continuity between the forest floor and tree canopy, thereby allowing fire to carry from surface fuels into the crowns of trees or shrubs with relative ease. These fuels help initiate and assure the continuation of crowning.[1]

Burnout operations were successful on the southwest side of the fire. Winds were present but were not a major factor. 

Two community meetings were held yesterday at the Sportsman’s Campground and Pagosa Springs H.S., Approximately 100 community members were present.

Div A - (upper northeast)
Crews will be in patrol status, continuing to work on and around structures. The work will include delimbing of trees and removing ladder fuels from around structures in the area of Sportsman’s Campground. Crews will also be working the spot near Trail Ridge Road (639) which is mostly a ground fire and not in the trees. Improvements and holding at Forest Service Road 639 will continue.

Div B – (southwest side)
There was growth on the southwest side of the fire, however the line is holding. Firefighters will continue to hold the line.

Div Y – (upper northwest)
This division will be monitored by air. Due to the heaviness of the tree canopy, ground observation is not possible.
Closures of roads, trails and campgrounds can be found at: www.FS.USDA.gov/sanjuan/

Fire Stats at a glance:


Start Date: May 13th, 2012
Cause: Lightning
Acreage: 3,754
Personnel: 246
Crews: 6
Cooperating Agencies: Hinsdale County, Archuleta County, USFS, CSFS
Aviation: (1)-Type 1 Helicopter, (1)-Type 3 Helicopter, Air Attack
Engines: 5
Injuries: 0
Structures destroyed: 0
Structures threatened: 40 including outbuildings
Cost to date: $1,011,000


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[1] NWCG Glossary of Wildland Fire Terminology - http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/pubs/glossary/l.htm




Little Sand Fire Update

News Release and Current Map from Little Sand Fire Public Information Officers - May 30 at 10:00 a.m.

News Release
May 30, 2012 8:00 a.m. (MST)
Contact: Laura McConnell, PIO
Email: theLittleSandFire@Gmail.com
Phone: 970.444.2201
Recorded Message: 970.264.4731
*** PUBLIC MEETINGS SCHEDULED ***
Wednesday, May 30th beginning 2:30 p.m. at Sportsman’s Campground
Wednesday, May 30th beginning 5:30 p.m. Pagosa Springs H.S. auditorium


Pagosa Springs, CO – The weather for today is calling for warmer temperatures and lighter winds. The inversion will weaken and smoke is predicted to begin clearing out earlier. Yesterday smoke drifted to the northeast, today with shifting winds it will move west and then southeast.
Fuels, or vegetation, are very dry for this time of year and low moisture levels in the pondersosa pine makes them susceptible to torching. There’s enough moisture in grasses and lighter fuels to help slow the fires movement where there is a layer of dead pine litter the fire continues to spread and readily burns.
Fire crews on the north end of the fire working near the Piedra Road above the Bridge Campground. They will be taking down snags or hazard trees for safety concerns and will scout for areas to prep in the area of Sportsman’s Campground. A dozer is being used to improve old logging roads for better access.
On the southern end of the fire, crews will monitor along the indirect fireline and take care of any spotting from embers. A portion of the west side of the fire will be monitored by air today.
Engines will return to do structure protection around the homes north and east of the incident. Helicopters will again assist firefighters with water drops when needed.
Concerns for firefighters today will include the potential for spotting and firebrands landing downslope from hotspots, falling snags and shifting winds altering fire behavior.
Fire Stats at a glance:

Start Date: May 13th, 2012
Cause: Lightning
Acreage: 3,754
Personnel: 243
Crews: 6
Cooperating Agencies: Hinsdale County, Archuleta County, USFS, CSFS
Dozers: 1
Aviation:1-Type 1 Helicopter, 1-Type 3 Helicopter, Air Attack
Engines: 5
Injuries: None
Structures destroyed: None
Structures threatened: 40 including outbuildings
Cost to date: $725,000

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@RMIMT2_TeamB
@AC_EMERGENCY



Colorado 2-1-1 Relief and Recovery Assistance Guide

Purpose of Relief and Recovery Assistance Guide

The purpose of this Relief and Recovery Guide is to connect Colorado residents affected by the Lower North Fork Wildfire with disaster assistance and information. The Guide lists information on many programs and agencies. Updates and verification are continuously being made to this document.

The Guide is arranged in sections based on needs and the types of services provided. Where applicable, there are tables arranged to show resources available within the county and statewide. Phone numbers and specific information regarding service eligibility, hours, etc. may also be outlined.

You are welcome to dial 2-1-1, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for help in finding available disaster assistance services. Language translation services are available. Individuals with hearing and speech disabilities can call Relay Colorado at 7-1-1 (or 1-800-659-2656) to indirectly access Colorado 2-1-1. You can also visit www.211colorado.org to review resources and search the database of services in your local community. Colorado 2-1-1 will help identify the best local resources to fit your individual needs after a disaster or for life’s everyday situations.

Download or view the Colorado 2-1-1 Relief and Recovery Guide.

Additional Safety Information from the Colorado Division of Insurance:

The best way to verify an authorized insurance agent is to contact the Colorado Division of Insurance. Go to http://www.dora.state.co.us/insurance/consumer/ConsumerMainPage.htm and click on “Find a Licensed Company or Producer” (agent). Consumers can also call the Division at 303-894-7490 and we’ll be happy to check the licensing of the agent or company in question.

#LowerNorthForkFire

Public Information Contact for Lower North Fork Fire

Contact Ryan Lockwood at Ryan.Lockwood@ColoState.edu for updates on the Lower North Fork Fire. 

Due to the significant winter weather that has moved into the area, management of the Lower North Fork Fire will be turned back to the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) from the Great Basin Type 1 Incident Management Team today, April 3, 2012, at 12 noon.  This is a change from the original plan to transition to the local Jefferson County Type 3 Incident Management Team. 

A number of engines and firefighting crews will remain on the fire under the supervision of the CSFS to monitor and conduct any remaining control efforts.

Information received from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office on 4/3/2012 for #LowerNorthForkFire.

Safety Precaution Information for Residents Returning to Lower North Fork Fire Area

If you are returning to your home in the area of the Lower North Fork Fire, please read this safety information provided by the Jefferson County Public Health and the Incident Management Team Safety Officer. This is a must read for anyone moving back into the areas affected by the Lower North Fork Fire.

Returning Home Safety Information Flyer

Please continue to visit www.jeffcosheriff1.blogspot.com for current information on the incident as well as safety information.

Heartstrong Fire Update

Heartstrong Fire 

Below is information received from GayLene Rossieter, Acting Fire Information Officer, Colorado State Forest Service.

(Updated 1:20 p.m., March 19)

Fire Jurisdiction: Yuma County

Location/County:  South of Highway 34 between towns of Eckley and Yuma in Yuma County

Start Date: Sunday, March 18, approximately 1:15 p.m.

Cause: Under investigation, but potentially due to a downed power line from high winds

Acres/Land Ownership: Approximately 24,000 acres of half grass/crop fields on private lands

Containment: 100 percent

Evacuations: The evacuation order for the town of Eckley was lifted late last night; the approximate 200-square mile evacuated area around the fire was lifted today

Closures: Highway 34 reopened from the town of Eckley to County Road L

Injuries to Date: Three firefighters injured

Structures Lost/Damaged: Two homes destroyed; other structure damages still to be determined

Other Values at Risk: Number of livestock lost currently undetermined

Significant Events: High winds and thick smoke mixed with dirt decreased during the night, helping firefighter contain the fire. Today, fire crews and deputies drove through the burn area to manage hot spots and flare-ups. The Civil Air Patrol surveyed the extent of the fire’s damage earlier today.

Resources: Primarily local emergency response agencies, including nine volunteer fire departments and four other volunteer fire departments on standby. Regional agencies from northeast Colorado and western Kansas also assisted to control the fire.

EFF/FEMA Status: N/A

Source: Yuma County Sheriff’s Office

Today’s Fire Outlook

  • The fire situation rating for the Rocky Mountain Area remains at Preparedness Level 1, indicating that there is minimal large fire activity nationally. Most Geographic Areas have low to moderate fire danger. There is little or no commitment of national resources.
  • A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 7 p.m. tonight for southern Colorado, including Baca, Prowers and Eastern Las Animas counties. For more information, go to www.weather.gov/alerts-beta/co.php?x=1. A map can be viewed at www.wrh.noaa.gov/firewx/main.php.
  • This afternoon will be partly sunny in the area of the Heartstrong Fire with a high near 58 and northwest winds between 5 and 10 mph. Tonight will be mostly cloudy with a low near 30. Blustery north winds between 5 and 10 mph may increase to 15 and 20 mph with gusts possible as high as 30 mph.

This report is also available online at http://csfs.colostate.edu or download the Heartstrong Fire Update.



Town of San Luis Water Incident Update

The San Luis Valley Regional EOC remains open and activated supporting the Town of San Luis on day eight of the incident.  This morning demolization was initiated.  For additional information read the press release from Linda Smith, Incident PIO or visit their website at www.costillacounty-co.gov.



San Luis Valley Regional  EOC PIO CONTACT: Linda Smith
PHONE: (719) 937-3143
Costilla County Public Health Agency Vivian Gallegos, Director






Water Advisory Ends for Town of San Luis
San Luis – The boil water advisory has been lifted and customers of the San Luis Water and Sanitation District can now use tap water for all purposes. After routine water tests revealed bacterial contamination in the water last week, local officials have consulted with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Water Quality Control Division to correct the problem.  The water supply has now been determined to be safe for consumption and all restrictions have been removed for water use.It is recommended that residents who have appliances that dispense ice or water replace filters prior to beginning to use them.  

The San Luis Water and Sanitation District has decided to voluntarily give up the waiver that has allowed the water to not be chlorinated in the past.  Water is currently being chlorinated and it will continue to be chlorinated in the future.

Many people and businesses have volunteered time, water, and hand sanitizer since the boil water advisory was issued on February 22.

Current information is available at www.costillacounty-co.gov or by calling (719) 672-3457.

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Update for Town of San Luis Valley Incident

San Luis Valley Water Incident Day 6

The San Luis Valley Regional Emergency Operations Center remains open and activated supporting Town of San Luis ICP and POD.  DEM Field Manager Patricia Gavelda continues to provide support to the local operations in support of their mission.  

Contact PIO Linda Smith at 719-587-5330 for incident information.  
Basic information regarding the incident for citizens in the area is being posted at sanluisvalleyhealth.org and at Costilla County's website: 

Below are photos that were shared by PIO Smith from this weekend that were taken at the San Luis Fire Station where volunteers assisted with dispensing water and hand sanitizer.  
The top photo is Pam Jones, a member of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team.

The bottom photo includes Red Cross volunteer Phil Tomlinson, Red Cross Disaster Coordinator Bill Werner and Alfred Mondragon of the San Luis Fire Department.

Town of San Luis Water Incident Update

Day #3 Town of San Luis Water Incident

The San Luis Valley (SLV) Regional EOC remains open and active supporting Incident Command Post in Costilla County.  POD open daily from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. providing resources (water and hand sanitizer) to residents.  Approximatley 17.5 pallets of bottled water on scene including two 1500 gallon portable water containers and one water filtration system.  This all hands effort will continue for the weekend. 

SLV Regional EOC, Costilla County and Town of San Luis appreciates the continued support demonstrated by all our local, state and other ESF 8 partners.

DEM Field Manager Patricia Gavelda is supporting local efforts.

The phone number for the Joint Information Center/PIO is 719-587-5352.

Boulder County EOC Closing at 9 PM

The Boulder County Office of Emergency Management has announced that the Emergency Operations Center will close down at 9:00 p.m.

Get current information by following @BoulderOEM.

Alamosa Emergency Operations Center Activated Due to Water Issue

The Regional Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Alamosa has been activated after a boil water order was issued for the Town of San Luis.  San Luis is located within Costilla County in the San Luis Valley region.  The Town of San Luis has approximately 900 people.

The EOC is working with incident command in San Luis to coordinate resources and message delivery.   A Division of Emergency Management Field Manager is working with the county. There has not been a request for state resource assistance at this time.

Boulder County: Updated Information

Updated Information from Boulder Office of Emergency Management Emergency Status Page
 as of  7:35 p.m.:

Lyons Fire Contained, but Evacuees Still Awaiting Word on Evacuations

It is anticipated that the the evacuations will remain in effect for several hours as crews assess any potential for additional fire activity in the Lyons Stone Canyon area. Evacuees are advised to remain at the evacuation center until further notice. Information posted at 7:35 p.m.

Stone Canyon Fire Contained

Fire crews are reporting that the Stone Canyon Fire has been contained. Firefighters are still on the scene to monitor and address hot spots. The fire scorched about 20 acres. Evacuation Center officials are reporting that approximately 15 families are on scene, awaiting word about when they can safely return to their homes. Updates will be posted here as soon as they are available. Information posted at 7:20 p.m.

Highway 36 has been re-opened

The Colorado State Patrol has re-opened Highway 36, but motorists are advised to use caution because of high wind conditions. Information posted at 6:40 p.m.

Evacuation Information for Eagle Ridge Subdivision.

Evacuations have been ordered for the Eagle Ridge subdivision, and officials are re-routing traffic to 5th Avenue because of a downed power line at 1125 Stone Canyon Road. Information posted at 6:35 p.m.

Boulder Office of Emergency Mangement is also providing information on their Twitter feed @BoulderOEM.