Jefferson County Stage 2 Fire Ban

Unincorporated Jefferson County is now under Stage 2 fire restrictions. For more information see:

http://jeffco.us/sheriff/documents/emergencies-documents/annual-fire-operating-plan-documents/sample-of-stage-2-fire-ban/

FInal Bear Gulch Fire Update 6:00 PM

Thanks to a great Inter-Canyon crew for their all-day work on the Bear Gulch Fire.  Great job.

Bear Gulch Fire Update 1:25 PM with new photo

New photo of Bear Gulch Fire.  You can see the retardant painted by fixed wing aircraft on the east side of the fire.  Firefighters faced challenging terrain to access the fire.

Photo courtesy of Inter-Canyon Fire Rescue

Bear Gulch Fire Update 1:05 PM

Inter-Canyon firefighters wear wildland gear designed for wildfire environments.  The firefighters on the Bear Gulch Fire are equipped with protection gear very different from traditional structural firefighting gear.  The gear includes Nomex shirt and pants, helmet, gloves, eye protection, heavy boots, and airway protection.  Typical wildland firefighting gear.

Photo courtesy NOVA

Bear Creek Fire Update 11:45 AM

Crews remain working at the Bear Creek Gulch Fire.  Working on perimeter fireline.  Rocky and steep terrain.  Six Inter-Canyon firefighters led by a Crew Boss are working the fire.  These firefighters have completed the Federal National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) S130/190 course and many have advanced training. 

Bear Gulch Fire Update 11:05 AM

The Inter-Canyon crew on scene at the Bear Gulch Fire is working on establishing a fireline around the perimeter.  You may see smoke from the interior of the fire, small fuels still burning.  The fire is not at risk for growth.

Bear Gulch Fire Update 9:20 AM

The Inter-Canyon Crew Boss working with the hand crew says the fire is approximately 200 feet x 100 feet in size on the rock wall.  Cause of the fire is lightning. 

Bear Gulch Fire Update 9:14 AM

Inter-Canyon firefighters are on scene at the Bear Gulch Fire.  Firefighters identified a shorter access route and are now assessing the fire.  Access is difficult as the fire is on an 80 ft rock wall.  Firefighters will determine the extent of any fire growth and best way to create fireline.

Bear Gulch Fire Update 8:40 AM

Inter-Canyon firefighters are carrying hand tools into the Bear Gulch Fire.  Hand tools such as the Pulaski are used to identify hot spots, dig trenches and burning roots, and extinguish the fire:

Bear Gulch Fire Update 8:30 AM

A squad of six Inter-Canyon firefighters are hiking into the Bear Gulch Fire at this time.  No smoke visible.  Air drops appear to have knocked down the fire but still requires firefighters to check on status.  Research last night identified a potential shorter route - may require only a two hour hike.

Bear Gulch Fire Update 5:00 am

ICFPD firefighters plan to hike into the Bear Gulch Fire today to check on the status of the fire.  The fire was monitored overnight and no growth was seen on the fire.

Bear Gulch Fire Update 5:50 pm

Even small brush trucks like Inter-Canyon Brush 652 cannot access the Bear Gulch Fire.  Terrain is difficult and dangerous.  Both Brush 652 and Brush 651 are scene at Incident Command. 

Bear Gulch Fire Update 5:30 pm

Incident Command is now planning for tonight and Tuesday morning.  Fighting fire at night poses a major risk for firefighters and must be weighed against the risk of the fire expanding.  Currently the fire appears to be very quiet.  Accessing the fire will be difficult.

Sign up for emergency notifications from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office:

http://jeffco.us/sheriff/code-red-emergency-notifications/

Bear Gulch Fire Update 5:25 pm

Incident Command reports the helicopter has done an excellent job with nine bucket drops of water.  No more smoke is visible at this time.  The Level 1 evacuation notice remains in place. 

Review the Jefferson County Evcuation Levels:

With large fires occurring every month of the year, evacuations have become more commonplace. We encourage the adage, ‘when in doubt, get out!’ If you feel threatened, go! Keep in mind, in some cases, there is no time for formal evacuation notifications due to quickly changing conditions.

Evacuation Levels

 Level 1: Be Ready
There is an incident in the area. Residents are advised of the level 1 evacuation and are asked to leave if they need additional time to exit an area or have health conditions (especially respiratory conditions that could be made worse by smoke). Residents are encouraged to move livestock and pets out of the area, and to prepare for a full evacuation. Evacuations are voluntary, but residents are encouraged to leave if concerned. There will be no road closures in effect in most cases.
This is when you are thankful you took appropriate planning actions, long before the threat of a wildland fire.

• You’ve already created defensible space by clearing brush and other fuels away from your home.
• You’ve used fire-resistant landscaping and hardened your home with fire-safe construction measures.
• You assembled emergency supplies and belongings in a safe spot.
• You planned escape routes and made sure all those residing within your home know the plan of action.

Level 2: Leave Soon
Residents are notified there is a full evacuation and are informed to leave. Evacuations are mandatory and entry to evacuated areas may be denied. Residents are encouraged to evacuate as soon as possible. Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk.

Level 3: Leave Immediately!

Residents are notified there is immediate and imminent danger, and they should evacuate immediately. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home. Leave immediately and as quickly as possible. Doing so will not only support your safety, but will allow firefighters to best maneuver resources to combat the fire.

Ready, Set, Go!

Don’t let the first time you educate yourself on wildland fire be in the aftermath. Join with us and be a part of Ready, Set, Go! Ready, Set, Go! is designed to teach individuals how to best prepare themselves and their properties against nature’s threats, and how to be best prepared to evacuate.

The Ready, Set, Go! initiative is a three step process, or action plan, to prepare properties long before a fire is upon you; get set to depart from ones home; and to understand the role of evacuation in our area. The initiative significantly increases the safety of the homeowner and family. Not to mention, it allows the firefighters to best do their job of extinguishing the fire, thus increasing the chance of saving homes and loved ones.

Ready

• Make a list of your 5P’s: People, Pets, Pills, Photos and important Papers.
• Shut off natural gas and propane.
• Place metal (not wooden) ladders against the side of your house.
• If time permits, remove combustibles (patio furniture, firewood, etc.) within 30 feet of your home.
• If you have sprinklers (with adequate water supply), place them around your home, connected and ready to be turned on.
• Put on any protective clothing and gear you are not already wearing.
• Close windows and doors to the house to prevent sparks and embers from blowing inside. Close all doors inside the house to prevent draft.
• Take down your drapes and curtains and close all blinds to deflect heat.
• Leave exterior and interior lights on to offer visibility to responders.
• Fill all bathtubs, sinks and other containers with water to deflect heat.

Set

• Take a deep breath and remember your plan. Lives always take priority over property.
• Face your car toward the street and close all windows. Keep the keys handy.
• Load your 5P’s into the car.
• Wear protective clothing made of natural fabrics such as heavy denim, cotton, and pure wool to shield you from heat, embers and flames. Wear sturdy shoes, a long-sleeved shirt tucked into pants, hat, and a handkerchief. Have thick canvas or leather gloves, and light-colored goggles on ready.
• As you leave, post a visible form of notification that identifies that you have evacuated. Hang a white cloth at the end of your driveway. If you have time, write “evacuated” on it.

Go!

• Tune in to the local news radio station and listen for instructions.
• Obey orders of law enforcement and fire department officials.
• Follow the emergency instructions regarding evacuation routes. Your normal route may not be the safest.
• Drive with your headlights on for visibility and safety.
• Do not block access to roadways for emergency vehicles or other evacuees.
• Do not abandon vehicles on the roadway.
• Do not stop to let pets have a break.
• Drive calmly, obey the rules of the road and pay special attention to fire trucks.

Bear Gulch Fire Update 5:15 pm

Incident Command reports no more smoke visible after 9 helo water drops.

Bear Gulch Fire Update 5:12 pm

Incident Command reports the helicopter is doing an excellent job.  The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office reports via Twitter that 106 homes have received calls regarding the Level 1 evacuation notice - be prepared to evacuate and monitor local media.

The IC is now working on plans for this evening and Tuesday morning. 

Bear Gulch Fire Update 5:07 PM

Picture of Bear Gulch Fire from Incident Command

Bear Gulch Fire 4:54 PM Update

The Bear Gulch Fire is located in the area of Elk Mountain Road and Kuehster Road in Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District.  An overflight by an airplane estimated the fire at 1/2 acre creeping in grass and duff.  Very slow rate of spread.  At this time the Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) has made two drops over the fire and a helicopter has also made two drops.

The fire is located on a ridge in an area with very difficult access.  The Incident Commander from ICFPD estaimtes a six hour hike into the fire for firefighters.  Due to the remote area and the difficult access firefighters will monitor the fire overnight and then hike into the area tomorrow.  Hiking in, fighting the fire and then hiking out in the dark very dangerous fire firefighters.

The  Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has issued a Level 1 evacuation notice to 103 phones in the Maxwell Hills Subdivison. Be ready to leave. Pay close attention to media for updates.

Level 1 Fire Restrictions

Level 1 fire restrictions are now in place in Jefferson County