Posts tagged evacuation
Flagstaff Fire Boulder “live TV” Day 1
0June 26, 2012
Jann Scott and Boulder Channel 1 spend 30 minutes at the staging area at FairView High looking at fire, air tankers and talking with folks on the scene.
June 26 — Flagstaff Fire 9 p.m. update
Update:
Only 26 homes have been evacuated near Bison Drive and Kossler Lake.
A total of 2,416 reverse notifications have been sent to people in and around the affected area.
Three helicopters and two tanker planes were working the fire until sunset.
About 100 firefighters are on the ground doing structure protection through the night.
The fire is burning in upper Skunk Canyon. just west of the NIST/NOAA campus, and expected to produce smoke in Boulder through the night.
A Federal Type 1 team is expected to take over management of the fire on Wednesday.
All Pets Animal Hospital, 5290 Manhattan Circle, 303-499-5335, is open 24 hours and is accepting small animals. In the case of an evacuation, small animals can be dropped off at All Pets if their owners are unable to take them with them in the case of an evacuation.
No structures are threatened at this time.
There are no reported injuries and there is zero percent containment of the approximately 300 acre fire.
June 26 – 9 p.m. – Fire is burning on City of Boulder Open Space
#FlagstaffFire is burning in Upper Skunk Canyon, just west of NIST/NOAA, and expected to produce smoke in Boulder through the night. Only the original 26 homes that were evacuated near Bison Drive have been evacuated. A remaining 2,416 notifications were sent out to city residents near Flagstaff to remain on standby in case of a change in fire direction and behavior overnight. The Emergency Operations Center will remain open on a 24/7 basis until further notice.
June 26 – 8:10 p.m. – Smoke-related health tips available
Information about steps individuals can take to protect themselves from negative health effects related to the smoke is available at: http://www.bouldercounty.org/env/air/pages/wildfire.aspx
June 26 – 8 p.m. – Evacuation center location moved to East Boulder Community Center
The Red Cross has closed the evacuation center at New Vista High School and established an evacuation center and overnight shelter at the East Boulder Community Center, 5660 Sioux Drive. People impacted by the fire who need information and/or a place to stay overnight are encouraged to go to that location.
June 26 – 7:50 p.m. – Update on firefighting efforts
Fire officials have provided an update on attack efforts. The fire has consumed an estimated 228 acres and is moving east in both the north and south directions. There are about 200 firefighters working this incident at this time from the following agencies: Rocky Mountain Fire, Coal Creek Fire, City of Boulder Fire, Boulder County Fire, Arapahoe and Roosevelt Forest Service, the Colorado State Fire Service, Lafayette Fire, Longmont Fire, Boulder Rural Fire, Boulder Emergency Squad and the Longmont Emergency Unit. The incident is currently being managed by the Boulder County Type 3 Incident Management Team.
Air attacks continue to be the primary strategy for as long as daylight remains. There are currently three Type 1 helicopters, one Type 3 helicopter, two heavy air tankers, a lead plane and an air attack plane working the fire.
A federal Type 1 team is expected to take over command sometime tomorrow morning.
June 26 – 7:15 p.m. – City firefighting task force headed to upper Table Mesa area
Three spot fires are visible on the eastern side of the ridge behind NCAR. A task force of 40 firefighters are headed to the area of upper Table Mesa to attack these fires and create defensible space for homes and structures in the vicinity. Winds are now blowing to the northeast and have picked up in speed.
June 26 – 6:40 p.m. – Media briefing scheduled for 8:30 p.m.
Fire officials are planning to hold a media briefing with updates on the fire at 8:30 p.m. at the Criminal Justice Center at 6th and Canyon.
June 26 – 6 p.m. – Call center activated
The Emergency Operations Center has activated a call center for residents and others impacted by the fire to obtain information. The phone number is 303-413-7730. People seeking fire and evacuation information are encouraged to call this number. Individuals reporting new emergencies should continue to call 911. Media should continue to contact the media line. Any help getting this phone number out to the public is much appreciated.
June 26 5:45 p.m. – Additional pre-evacuation notices sent out in city
The City of Boulder has issued 1,485 additional pre-evacuation notices to phone numbers within city limits to include the Shanahan Ridge neighborhood. This is in addition to the 931 notices previously sent out. The current boundaries are Dartmouth to the north, Greenbriar to the south, Table Mesa and foothills on the west and Broadway on the east.
Residents in this area should begin preparing for possible evacuation orders. Gather up personal belongings and pets and stay tuned for additional instructions. An evacuation center has been established at New Vista High School at Broadway and Baseline.
In addition, the City of Boulder has announced that it is closing the pool at the South Boulder Recreation Center as a result of poor air quality caused by smoke. The recreation center itself remains open. For parents with children participating in summer camps, staff are continuing to monitor the situation and will issue e-mail updates as they become available.
Related posts:
Boulder Fire Outbreak from lightning: Evacuations Flagstaff
0June 26, 2012
The latest on the spate of lighting cause fire here in the city of Boulder from the office of emergency management:
June 26, 4:45 p.m. – Pre-evacuation notices go to city residents
Pre-evacuation notices went out to 931 City of Boulder phone numbers. The area that received calls is bordered by Dartmouth on the north, Broadway on the east, all the way to the south edge of town. People should be ready to evacuate quickly. A Type 1 Federal Incident team is on its way.
June 26 – 4:19 p.m. – All Open Space properties are closed from Eldo. Springs to Boulder Canyon
All open space and recreational areas from Eldorado Springs to Boulder Canyon are closed until further notice.
June 26 – 4 p.m.
NCAR is voluntarily evacuating.
Media briefing at 4:30 p.m. at Criminal Justice Center at 6th and Canyon.
All Pets Animal Hospital is taking small animals. 303-499-5335. 5290 Manhattan Circle.
Fire is estimated to be 200-300 acres.
June 26 – 3:45 p.m. Road Closures – Bison Drive, Flagstaff Rd.
Road closures:
Bison Drive from 1000 block West
Flagstaff Rd. from Baseline & 6th Ave
Hard closures. No public access allowed. Residents are urged to take vital records and proof of residency when they leave.
June 26 – 3:28 p.m. – Flagstaff Fire evacuations ordered
Sheriff’s Command has issued evacuation orders for approximately 26 households in the area of Bison Drive and Pine Needle Notch subdivision. An evacuation point is being established at New Vista High School at 700 20th Street near Broadway and Baseline. Red Cross is on its way. Residents are advised to take vital records, proof of residency and all pets with them.
Follow #FlagstaffFire on Twitter
June 25 3:18 p.m. – Flagstaff Road is restricted to fire response
Flagstaff Rd. is being used for transport of firefighting equipment. Public access will be restricted or closed along this road until further notice.
June 26 – 3:01 p.m. Bison Fire
A helicopter and heavy air tanker are working on the Bison Fire which is estimated at 6 acres and growing. Smoke can be seen from the city of Boulder and surrounding areas. Rocky Mountain Fire is in charge of the fire.
Fire in Boulder County – June 26 – 2:51 p.m.
There is a fire burning near Bison Drive east of Walker Ranch in the foothills of southern Boulder County. A heavy air tanker is en route and 39 pre-evacuation notices have been sent to residents on Bison Drive and in the Pine Needle Notch subdivision.
Related posts:
Boulder Office of EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT latest it’s a real mess out there
0February 22, 2012
2/22 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.
2/22 7:20 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.
2/22 6:40 p.m. – Hwy. 36 has been re-opened
The Colorado State Patrol has re-opened Hwy. 36, but motorists are advised to use caution because of high wind conditions.
2/22 6:35 p.m. – Additional evacuation information
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.
2/22 6:30 p.m. – Hwy. 36 closed at McCaslin Boulevard
Motorists are advised that Hwy. 36 is closed at McCaslin Boulevard in both directions. Alternate routes are suggested.
2/22 6:15 p.m. – Lyons High School opens as evacuation center
Emergency officials are opening an evacuation center at Lyons High School for individuals displaced by the Stone Canyon fire. The high school is located at 100 S. Second Ave. in Lyons. Individuals are encouraged to at least check in at the evacuation center to register in the event that officials need to contact them.
2/22 6:05 p.m. – New fire reported east of Lyons
Crews are responding to a grassfire that is threatening structures east of Lyons. The fire, approximately 2 acres, started behind 931 Stone Canyon Road. Emergency officials made 42 Everbridge notifications, advising people to evacuate immediately because of the high winds and fast-moving 10- to 15-foot flames. No evacuation centers have been established yet. Additional updates will be posted as soon as they are available.
2/22 6 p.m. – City, county crews contain Diagonal Fire
Contact:
EOC Media Line – 720-564-2935
City, county fire crews contain grass fire along Diagonal Highway
City and county firefighters have contained a grass fire that broke out at about 3:30 p.m. today at 63rd Street and Diagonal Highway. Firefighters battled high winds that made conditions particularly challenging. As of 5 p.m., crews were reporting that the blaze was 100 percent contained.
Read more…
2/22 5:45 p.m. – Weather Update
According to the National Weather Service, we are currently experiencing the strongest winds of the evening, with gusts out of the W/SW over 70 mph. Between 8 and 9 p.m., winds will shift to NW at 40-50 mph. Around midnight tonight, winds shift to the N decreasing to 25-30 mph gusts. The wind helps to move a cold front quickly in to Boulder County by 5 a.m. with winds at 10-15 mph. Snow accumulations expected to be .5 to 1 inch, and the storm will move out of the area by noon tomorrow.
2/22 5:22 p.m. – Diagonal Fire
2/22 5:22p.m. – Diagonal Fire The Diagonal Fire is now 100% contained. The Diagonal is open for Longmont bound traffic, still closed for Boulder bound traffic. 63rd St. is closed from the diagonal to Monarch Road. 71st St. is closed between State Highway 52 and Winchester Circle.
2/22 4:40 p.m. – Diagonal Fire
2/22 5:04p.m. – Diagonal Fire – 1300 reverse notifications were sent to the area from Lookout Road north to Niwot Rd, and from 79th Street west to the Diagonal, advising residents of the fire in the area. No evacuations were ordered.
2/22 4:40 p.m. – Diagonal Fire
2/22 4:40 p.m. – Diagonal Fire Update – There are no mandatory evacuations at this time. Voluntary evacuation should go Eastbound towards 75th Street.
2/22 4:30 p.m. – Diagonal Fire
Fire crews are responding to a brush fire near 63rd Street and Diagonal Highway. Initial reports indicated the fire was near Tom Watson Park, west of Diagonal Highway.
Please be aware that both lanes of the Diagonal Highway at 63rd Street have been shut down.
Related posts:
Left Hand Canyon Fire Maxwell Fire Boulder
0June 26, 2011
by Boulder Channel 1
in News
9:15 9/26 update: Elsha Kirbyl is a USAF fire fighter and lead public information Officer for the Maxwell Fire. We talked to her from the fire line tonight. Here is what she told us. The fire started with big plumes and started to run. Now it has settled down and the forest service is starting back fires. The fire is creeping back down to Left Hand canyon road and it is hoped it will burn into the area where the March fire was and burn out. 3 air tankers have bee suspended for the night. The fire is approximately 100 acres. There are 100 fire fighter on the line. There are more crews staged at Left Hand and Old stage just in case.
City Dispatchers told us The fire initially started at approximate 5:00 pm ( according to first calls to city of boulder Dispatch records)
Rick Brough Sheriffs Department Commander told us the fire started about 1/4 mile from the “off highway entrance to gun shooting and 4 wheeling, on the side of the road. “It could have been a spark or a cigarette but no cause has been determined” He said initially, some homes we mandated to evacuate when the fire started to run during high winds when it started. ” But now there is no mandatory evacuations except for 1.5 miles of Left Hand Canyon past old Stage road.
8:12 A reverse 911 call went out to 340 homes according to Boulder PD PIO Kim Kobel. The evacuations are not mandatory. The US forest service has taken over the fire.
With hope and no high winds tomorrow morning, we have escaped the bullet this time Boulder.
7:58 Colorado ORM reports in:
Maxwell Fire Info Sources – Boulder, CO
The Boulder County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has been activated in response to a fire in Lefthand Canyon being referred to as the Maxwell Fire. Response information – including evacuation and shelter information – is being posted on Boulder’s Office of Emergency Management Emergency Information Page at http://boulderoem.com/emergency-status. Boulder OEM is also providing information via their Twitter feed (@boulderoem) at http://twitter.com/boulderoem, their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/BoulderOEM and via Boulder County’s Twitter feed (@bouldercounty) at http://twitter.com/bouldercounty.
Fire Fight/Suppression information for the Maxwell Fire is being posted on Inciweb at http://inciweb.org/incident/2384/
An evacuation center has been established by the Red Cross at the YMCA at 28th street in Boulder. Evacuees are encouraged to go to the evacuation center for information and assistance. Red Cross Shelter information is being posted at http://twitter.com/redcrossdenver
The Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center (@rmaccfireinfo) is also posting fire-related information at http://twitter.com/rmaccfireinfo as is the Arapahoe National Forest at http://twitter.com/usfsarp.
Boulder County also maintains a txt/email alert system – register for alerts online at https://ww2.everbridge.net/citizen/EverbridgeGateway.action?body=home&gis_alias_id=160781.
There are two hashtags currently being used on Twitter for fire-related information: #maxwellfire and #boulderfire. Search for fire info using the hashtags at http://search.twitter.com
The Maxwell Fire is burning on National Forest System lands in the Lefthand Canyon area. An airtanker is working the fire and additional resources have been ordered.
7:47 6/26 from us forest service
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Under Investigation
Date of Origin Sunday June 26th, 2011 approx. 05:00 PM
Location Lefthand Canyon Area of Roosevelt National Forest
Current Situation
Size 100 acres
Outlook
Planned Actions
Additional crews have been ordered and an air tanker is making drops.
6/26 7:30 p.m. – Maxwell Fire Road Closures
Roads closed to public traffic:
Left Hand Canyon at North Foothills Highway (local traffic allowed with I.D. to Old Stage Rd.)
James Canyon at Lefthand Canyon to Old Stage Rd
Old Stage at Lefthand Canyon to James Canyon
6/26 6 p.m. – Fire in Lefthand Canyon
Firefighters have responded to a fire near the 3.7 Mile Marker on U.S. Forest Service land. There is a mandatory evacuation for residents within a 1.5 mile radius of the 3.7 MM. The Emergency Operations Center is activated to help support firefighting efforts. Additional information will be posted here when details are available.
The “Maxwell Fire” began at approximately 5:39 p.m. this afternoon. Fire is estimated to be between 10 and 20 acres in size.
The Boulder
Related posts:
Japan death by Nuclear fallout 0 Death by Tsunami 10,000: two Boulder Scientists write
0March 17, 2011
by Boulder Channel 1
in News
In an effort to offset the inputs from the media talking heads I am forwarding comments from a friend that worked at several US nuclear plants and whose views I respect. The real tragedy of the Japanese earthquake and tsunaimi have been completely overshadowed by the events at the reactors. The current loss of life due to radiation is zero. Contrast that with the current death toll of over 10,000 that will likely run up closer to 25,000 when all are accounted for! Bill
http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/default.aspx
http://www.nukeworker.com/
http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/fear-the-media-meltdown-not-the-nuclear-one/?singlepage=true
Yes, media coverage is particularly bad on this one. I happened to have
spent a couple of years working in the bowels of Browns Ferry NP which
are identical units to those in Japan. GE Mk I BWRs.
To sum it up in a few sentences, this is essentially identical to TMI.
A Loss of Coolant Accident followed by failed fuel and probably
substantial fuel melt (there was at TMI). The huge hydrogen production
is from the zircalloy fuel cladding actually burning in the steam
environment, stripping the oxygen atom from water and releasing the
hydrogen. Same thing happened at TMI and there was a hydrogen
explosion, though since with a PWR, the entire reactor building is the
containment, the explosion was contained within the reactor building.
At TMI the core remained uncovered for about 24 hours, long enough for
the fuel to reach its maximum temperature and equilibrate with its
surroundings. The fuel that did melt simply flowed out of the core and
quenched in the water that remained below the fuel. It did not melt
through the reactor vessel. In fact it didn’t even scar the inside
surface of the vessel.
This is what I see happening in Japan. There has been partial or
complete fuel failure in both units. That is indicated both by the huge
hydrogen production and by the trace of Cs-137 and I-131 detected on the
outside.
There is a very large inventory of both isotopes in an operating
reactor. The plant design assumes that both are released as gases
during an accident and plan accordingly. That didn’t happen at TMI.
Once things cooled off enough that we could enter the containment, what
we found was that the Cs and I had reacted chemically to form cesium
iodide, a solid material. Most of it stayed in the reactor. Some came
out into the containment building and settled out on surfaces. A very
tiny amount escaped during the initial containment venting at TMI.
Again, the same thing is happening in Japan. The trace of Cs and I that
has been detected on the outside, if chemically analyzed, will be found
to be the compound cesium iodide. This compounding is why there is but
a tiny bit of material released despite practically constant containment
venting.
I don’t quite understand the pumping of sea water. That’s kind of a
last ditch decision because the salt in the seawater destroys the
stainless steel in the plant. Normally there are a few million gallons
of demineralized water on-site for emergency cooling. Maybe it got
contaminated by the tsunami. Maybe the piping from the storage tank(s)
got broken in the shake. I certainly can’t second-guess the on-site people.
I did see mention in one news report that they were using large diesel
construction pumps to pump the water. That indicates to me that the
plant is still completely blacked out. It’s possible that this is the
reason for using seawater – that none of the electric pumps in the plant
are working.
When all the dust has settled, I predict this to be identical to TMI.
An unmitigated disaster for the utility. No significant off-site
radiation exposure and no off-site contamination. In other words, a
non-event as far as the public is concerned. The massive evacuation
will prove to have been precipitous and un-necessary.
————————————————————————
Thank God they’re using good old fashioned traditional units
of dose (the Roentgen) instead of the execrable Sievert. (1 Sievert is
100 R) The only advantage that I have is my experience at Browns Ferry
and TMI.
I don’t quite understand why they’re trying to fill the #3 reactor
building with water unless they’re assuming a failed reactor vessel and
primary containment. Otherwise water from the reactor building could
not get through the primary containment boundary. Bombing the spent
fuel pit with water I can understand but not the reactor building.
The radiation readings at the plant boundary and that one value quoted
at a distance from the plant are from the noble gases, primarily at this
point Xe-133. It’s a rich gamma emitter with a high specific activity.
Fortunately it only has a 5.25 day half-life and so will decay quickly.
The other, at this point minor, contributor is Kr-85. It’s mostly a
beta emitter with a rare gamma. With about a 10.5 year half life it
will be the principle source of radiation around and inside the
containment vessels in the days to come.
Fortunately its low probability gamma means that it can be vented with
little consequence. At TMI we vented a few million curies prior to the
first reactor building entry and there was no change in the background
radiation level at the plant site boundary.
I’d give anything to be at the plant site boundary with a gamma
spectrometer. With that I could tell you want was going on in the core
and what was being emitted and how much. I’ll guarantee you that there
are people there from some agency doing just that. I don’t know why
that information isn’t filtering out.
John
Related posts:
Left Hand Canyon Fire: Chronolog of Events March 11 & 13 2011
0March 12, 2011
by Boulder Channel 1
in News
This is a play list of 11 videos shot March 11 &12 at Left Hand Fire with Strike Team Bravo wild land fire fighters, press conference, Evacuees, with Jann Scott and Boulder Channel 1.
3/15 8:30am We’ve gotten good at managing Forrest Fires, unfortuneately That according to USFS forest service spokeswoman to Boulder Channel 1 news. Meaning, the Four Mile fire and a few others since have made us all real pros at handing catastrophic wildland fires….”it’s unfortunate we have had to”
We are almost laissez-faire about it. Boulder just missed the bullet with this last Lefthand fire. New video from Boulder Channel 1 shows fire coming within feet of several million dollar homes in Lefthand canyon. If it wasn’t for the very fast work of neighbors and firemen, we surely would have lost 12 or more homes in the first hours of the fire. The video will appear on our Channel 22 show 22Boom later later this week. From a media perspective , the county, OEM, forest service and city were far more forth coming in their release of information. During Four Mile Canyon fire, they with held information when many homes were lost at the outset.
Twitter was far more settled down during this event too. We had an on going gun fight with twitter kids. That is generally not advised for a news organization to recognize or fight with individual readers. Our SM kids on staff told us to,so we did, but it was a diversion to the story of Fourmile Canyon Fire which was a monster devouring the earth. Regardless of what we got wrong. We got most of it right and way ahead of city, county and USFS release of info. However, this time we were far more conservative in our reporting, but then again, this was a small fire. Still, we don’t think the public is aware of just how close the residents of Left Hand Canyon came to losing the whole canyon. Very close.
USFS Incident Overview
The Lefthand Canyon OHV Area Fire located on the Boulder Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest, eight miles north-northwest of Boulder is now 100 percent contained. Lefthand Fire Protection District will continue to patrol the area with structures. Today twenty-five firefighters will staff the fire including the Payette 20-person handcrew. The San Carlos Crew and helicopter have been released to assist with the Grey Rock Fire. Firefighters will continue to mop up hotspots within 200 feet of the outer edge of the fire. Interior smoke will continue to be seen.
Firefighters continue to focus on public and firefighter safety. The Lefthand OHV Area will remain closed until further notice. Lefthand Canyon Drive is open to the public. Please use caution and watch out for firefighting equipment and firefighters in the area.
This is our last update on this fire unless there are major changes.
USFS Basic Information 100% CONTAINED
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Human-caused
Date of Origin Friday March 11th, 2011 approx. 10:35 AM
Location Started in Chaos Canyon
Incident Commander Chad Busen, Usfs
Current Situation
Total Personnel 25
Size 622 acres
Percent Contained 100%
Fuels Involved
Burning in ponderosa pine with grassy understory
Outlook
Planned Actions
Lefthand Canyon Fire Protection District will be patrolling the fire in the area with structures. Twent-five firefighters will be working the fire mopping up hotspots within 200 feet of the fireline.
Terrain Difficulty
Steep, rugged terrain
Remarks
The fire cause is still under investigation.
Lefthand Canyon OHV Area Fire 90 percent contained, crews continue to make progress
From the U.S. Forest Service: Crews had another successful day making progress on Lefthand Canyon Fire. Now 90 percent contained. Lefthand Fire Protection District will be patrolling the fireline this evening. Fifty firefighters will staff the fire tomorrow which includes the San Carlos and Payette 20-person handcrews. These hand crews will continue to mop up hotspots within 200 feet of the outer edge of the fire.
3/14 9:40am USFS Incident Overview
Today firefighters will continue their work to build the last portions of fireline needed to secure the Lefthand Canyon OHV Area Fire located on the Boulder Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest, eight miles north-northwest of Boulder. This is the most difficult part of the fireline to construct due to steep, rugged terrain. Four 20-person handcrews and seven engines will be building and securing fireline, and mopping up hotspots that are within 200 feet of the fireline. Lefthand Fire Protection District will be mopping up hotspots near the structures. A helicopter is available to assist crews as needed. The fire is 80 percent contained and 622 acres.
Firefighters continue to focus on public and firefighter safety as well as structure protection. Temperatures are expected to be warmer today in the low 60s. This afternoon the humidity is expected to drop and the winds are expected to increase.
The Lefthand OHV Area will remain closed while firefighters continue their work. Lefthand Canyon Drive is open to the public. Please use caution and watch out for firefighting equipment and firefighters in the area. For more road restrictions, road closures or evacuations visit the Boulder Office of Emergency Management website.
Our next update of this information is expected around 1:30 p.m.
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Human-caused
Date of Origin Friday March 11th, 2011 approx. 10:35 AM
Location Started in Chaos Canyon
Incident Commander Dave Buchanan, Usfs
Current Situation
Total Personnel 125
Size 622 acres
Percent Contained 80%
Fuels Involved
Burning in ponderosa pine with grassy understory
Outlook
Planned Actions
Seven engines and four handcrews will be working the fire. Crews will be constructing the last portion of fireline, mopping up hotspots near the fireline and patrolling the fireline today. The helicopter will be available to assist them as needed. Lefthand Fire Protections District will be mopping up hotspots near structures.
Terrain Difficulty
Steep, rugged terrain
Remarks
Firefighters working on the fire are made of local volunteer fire departments, county, state and federal resources as well as crews from Arizona (San Carlos Crew), Grand Junction (Juniper Crew), Idaho (Payette Hotshots) and Craig (Green River Crew). Structure Protection continues and is provided by the Lefthand Fire Protection District. The fire cause is still under investigation.
3/13 10 p.m. – Lefthand Canyon Fire is 80 percent contained, all roads are open
The fire is now 80 percent contained and 622 acres. The increase in size is due to better mapping today. Firefighters will patrol the fire this evening. The U.S. Forest Service will continue to post updates on the fire at: www.inciweb.org/incident/2154/.
3/13 6:15 p.m. – Lefthand Canyon Drive open, please use caution around equipment still being used
Lefthand Canyon Drive opened to all traffic at 6 p.m. tonight. Emergency vehicles and fire fighting equipment will continue to use Lefthand Canyon Drive for the next several days to proceed with mop up on the fire.
For safety purposes and in order to safeguard the appartus being used to contain the fire, the Sheriff’s Office is requesting that drivers reduce their speed on the stretch of road where firefighting equipment is being used. Also, in order to maintain a safe setting for firefighting crews and area residents, fire officials have requested unimpeded access for emergency responders along Lefthand Canyon Drive. As a result, recreationalists and people who don’t need to use Lefthand Canyon Drive to access their homes are asked to avoid the canyon until firefighting crews have finished with operations.
USFS INCIDENT UPDATED
Incident Overview
Firefighters made good progress on Lefthand Canyon OHV Area Fire located on the Boulder Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest, eight miles north-northwest of Boulder. The fire is now 80 percent contained and 622 acres. The increase in size is due to better mapping of the fire. Firefighters continue to focus on public and firefighter safety as well as structure protection. Tonight residents may continue to see smoke and flames within the fire area. Firefighters will be patrolling the fireline this evening.
Tomorrow seven engines and four handcrews will be working the fire. The helicopter will be available to assist them as needed.
The Lefthand OHV Area will remain closed while firefighters continue their work. Lefthand Canyon Drive will open to the public this evening. Please use caution watch out for firefighting equipment and firefighters in the area. For more road restrictions, road closures or evacuations visit the Boulder Office of Emergency Management website.
Our next update of this information is expected around 9:00 a.m. tomorrow.
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Human-caused
Date of Origin Friday March 11th, 2011 approx. 10:35 AM
Location Started in Chaos Canyon
Incident Commander Dave Buchanan, Usfs
Current Situation
Total Personnel 125
Size 622 acres
Percent Contained 80%
Fuels Involved
Burning in ponderosa pine with grassy understory
Outlook
Planned Actions
Firefighters will patrol the fireline this evening. Smoke and flames may be visible within the fire boundary. Tomorrow seven engines and four handcrews will be working the fire. The helicopter will be available to assist them as needed.
Terrain Difficulty
Steep, rugged terrain
Remarks
Firefighters working on the fire are made of local volunteer fire departments, county, state and federal resources as well as crews from Arizona (San Carlos Crew), Grand Junction (Juniper Crew), Idaho (Payette Hotshots) and Craig (Green River Crew). Structure Protection continues and is provided by the Lefthand Fire Protection District. The fire cause is still under investigation. Firefighters saw a mountain lion chasing a deer today within the fire area.
3/13 12 p.m. – Lefthand Canyon Fire reached 600 acres, area still closed to public access
According to U.S. Forest Service officials, firefighters will continue their work today to build and secure handline around the Lefthand Canyon OHV Area Fire. Better mapping changed the acreage of the fire to 600 acres. The fire is 60 percent contained and the remaining 40 percent of the fire is in steep difficult terrain with no road access. An air tanker and two helicopters are available to assist firefighters today as needed. Lefthand OHV Area remains closed. Heil Ranch Open Space also remains closed. Local residents only are allowed in the areas where firefighting equipment is being used.
3/13/11 8:00am INCIDENT UPDATED USFS
Incident Overview
Today Firefighters will continue their work to build and secure handline around the Lefthand Canyon OHV Area Fire located on the Boulder Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest. The fire is located eight miles north-northwest of Boulder. The fire is 60 percent contained. The remaining 40 percent of the fire is in steep difficult terrain with no road access. Firefighters will be assisted by both an air tanker and two helicopters if needed today. Firefighters continue to focus on public and firefighter safety as well as structure protection. Last night the fire received a small amount of light rain for a very short duration. The fire size is now 600 acres due to better mapping. Improved mapping of the fire will continue today.
The Lefthand OHV Area will remain closed while firefighters continue their work. Lefthand Canyon Drive is open to limited traffic today. For more road restrictions, road closures or evacuations visit the Boulder Office of Emergency Management website.
Our next update of this information is expected tomorrow morning around 1:00 p.m.
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Human-caused
Date of Origin Friday March 11th, 2011 approx. 10:35 AM
Location Started in Chaos Canyon
Incident Commander Dave Buchanan, Usfs
Current Situation
Total Personnel 150
Size 600 acres
Percent Contained 60%
Fuels Involved
Burning in ponderosa pine with grassy understory
Outlook
Planned Actions
Firefighters continue their work to build and secure handline. They will be assisted by two helicopters and an airtanker as needed.
Terrain Difficulty
Steep, rugged terrain
Remarks
Firefighters working on the fire are made of local volunteer fire departments, county, state and federal resources as well as crews from Arizona (San Carlos Crew), Grand Junction (Juniper Crew), Idaho (Payette Hotshots) and Craig (Green River Crew). Structure Protection continues and is provided by the Lefthand Fire Protection District. The change in acreage was due to better mapping. Improved mapping work will continue today.
3/12 2:30 p.m. – Remaining Lefthand Canyon Fire evacuations to be lifted at 5 p.m. following a safety briefing for residents
At 5 p.m. today, all remaining mandatory evacuations for the Lefthand Canyon Fire will be lifted following a safety briefing for residents by the Lefthand Fire Protection District chief.
Residents of the fifteen to twenty homes that remain under mandatory evacuation along the north side of Lefthand Canyon Drive from Geer Canyon to the three mile marker are asked to check-in with Fire Chief Stoffel at the Lefthand Fire Protection District Station, 900 Lefthand Canyon Drive, at 5 p.m. today for a brief safety advisement before returning home. The briefing is intended to help residents become aware of existing dangers in the fire area and be prepared to spot changes in the fire that may prompt another evacuation. Contact: Lefthand Fire Protection District (720) 214-0560
Killer interview with Mary Beth Peacock NFS on all details of Left hand Canyon fire. EXPLAINS A LOT
March 12, 2008 Sheriff Comander Rick Braum Press Conf. Left Hand Canyon Fire talks about fire . Boulder channel 1 covered this entire event.
2/12/ noon Forest service says fire over 400 acres At todays press conference The Forest Service spokesperson said the fire was over 400 acres and that they are currently doing a GPS study to find out exactly how big it is.
Incident Overview
Last night firefighters made good progress on the Lefthand Canyon OHV Area Fire located on the Boulder Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest. The fire is located eight miles north-northwest of Boulder. Incident Commander Dave Buchanan reported that burn out operations went well and increased containment of the fire and their constant and considerable effort to secure Lefthand Drive. Firefighters continue to focus on public and firefighter safety as well as structure protection. Today firefighters will continue to build and secure fireline. They will be assisted by a helicopter that will be dropping water on the fire. Weather conditions are expected to be more favorable today with increased humidity, lower winds and temperatures and a 30 percent chance of rain or snow tonight.
For the latest information on road closures and evacuations visit the Boulder Office of Emergency Management website.
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Human-caused
Date of Origin Friday March 11th, 2011 approx. 10:35 AM
Location Started in Chaos Canyon
Incident Commander Dave Buchanan, Usfs
Current Situation
Total Personnel 150
Size 400 acres
Percent Contained 60%
Fuels Involved
Burning in ponderosa pine with grassy understory
Outlook
Planned Actions
Firefighters will continue to build and secure fireline today. Four 20-person handcrews will be working the fire today assisted by a helicopter dropping water. One more helicopter is on order. An additional 20-person crew is expected to arrive tonight.
Remarks
Twelve homes and six out buildings are threatened. Containment of the fire is mostly on the west, south and eastside of the fire. Fire managers will be improving the map of the fire today.
3/12, 12:00 p.m. EOC deactivating at 12 noon, Media Briefing at 3 p.m.
Due to the continued progress being made on the fire, the Office of Emergency Management Emergency Operations Center (EOC) demobilized at 12 noon today. Once a fire reaches a high level of containment and no additional support is needed by the EOC, the EOC is deactivated.
The USFS will continue to remain in command of fire operations. For additional updates on the fire, please visit the U.S. Forest Service incident management website at: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2154/
Two recorded hotlines will be updated with automated messages throughout the day:
Boulder County Call Center: 303-413-7730
U.S. Forest Service Fire Information line: 970-498-1030
A media briefing will be held at 3 p.m. today at the McGuckin Hardware warehouse parking lot on U.S. 36 at Neva Rd. Maribeth Pecotte from the U.S. Forest Service and Commander Rick Brough (pronounced “Bruff”) with the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office will be available for interviews.
3/12, 10:10 a.m. The USFS is reporting that the fire is now 60% contained
The USFS is reporting that the fire is now 60 percent contained. The U.S. Forest Service is posting information about the Lefthand OHV Area Fire on their national Incident Information System website: http://inciweb.org/incident/2154/. Please check this website for updates specific to fire activity and suppression efforts.
3/12, 10 a.m. Update on Evacuation
Fire crews and the Sheriff’s Office are hopeful that evacuees should be allowed back in their homes sometime this afternoon. Prior to allowing residents back into their homes, crews will be clearing potential fire hazards from within a 200-foot perimeter around each structure. They will be on hand while power lines are recharged to ensure sparks don’t ignite.
Lefthand Canyon between U.S. 36 and James Canyon remains closed for fire crews to be able to move equipment through the area. Residents will need to provide identification and proof of residency in that area when returning to their homes.
A heavy tanker is in the air helping fight the fire. A helicopter, capable of carrying 1,000 gallons of water, should be in the air soon for additional support.
Marsha Flint who has one of the houses up Left Hand Canyon tells how she and her husband got out and how two fire teams saved her house. Boulder Channel 1 interviewed her.
Jann Scott with Boulder Channel 1 catches 5 fire departments as the get ready to attack Left Hand Fire late in the day of March 11. Division Bravo strike team from West Metro Lakewood, Boulder Rural, EverGreen, Fairfield, Genesse, Brush Wild land firefighters prepare for long night and battle ahead.
Jann Scott gets upto fire as strike team prepares assault on raging inferno.
Boulder channel 1′s Boulder Heros LeftHand Fire: WestMetro Lakewood fire, Evergreen, Boulder Rural Genesse, Fairfield, Brush, fire departments create a 15 man strike team who head out into the blaze to keep it from crossing Left hand Canyon at old stage as an inferno rages in front of them. Jann Scott and boulder channel 1 were on the line with them and capture this footage as these heros headed out into the night to help save boulder heights
Boulder Channel 1 with West Metro Fire at LeftHand on Fire line.Jann Scott with Boulder channel 1 hooks up with West Metro Lakewood strike team at Old Stage and Left hand canyon road as fire rages in front of them. Heros walk into harms way to protect Boulder
3/11 6:15 p.m.Back burns will result in heavier smoke
Firefighters are setting back burns on Lefthand Canyon Drive from Olde Stage to the
target practice area. Heavy smoke will be visible as a result of this fire suppression effor
3/11 5:52 – Update on Animal Shelter info
The Longmont Humane Society will remain open until 8:30 p.m. for those who
need to drop off pets. The Humane Society of Boulder Valley will be open tonight until 8:15.
3/11 5:20 p.m. Air quality advisory
Due to the possibility of rapid weather changes, it is difficult to predict the condition of air quality related to current the fire.
In general, if you can see or smell smoke, it is recommended that you avoid outdoor physical activities. If visibility is decreased in your neighborhood to less than five miles, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.
Children, Elderly, and People with Respiratory Conditions
If you can see or smell smoke, children, elderly, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions should stay inside with the windows and doors closed. If it is hot outside, run an air conditioner if you have one, but keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. If you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, seek shelter elsewhere.
Children are more likely to be affected by health threats from smoke because their airways are still developing and because they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults. Children also are more likely to be active outdoors.
Older adults are more likely to be affected by smoke, as they have higher levels of heart or lung diseases than younger people.
Follow your doctor’s advice about medicines and about your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.Healthy Individuals
When smoke levels are high, even healthy people may experience coughing, a scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, stinging eyes, and a runny nose. If you can see or smell smoke, you should limit outdoor physical activities and stay indoors if at all possible.
Wildfire smoke contains pollutants that can be harmful to health. Particles from smoke tend to be very small and can therefore be inhaled into the deepest recesses of the lung and may represent a greater health concern than larger particles. Even in healthy people, this can cause temporary reductions in lung function and pulmonary inflammation. Particulate matter can also affect the body’s immune system.
Air quality updates are available at .
3/11 4:40 Evacuation update
Lefthand Canyon evacuations remain in place. Subdivisions north of Lake of the Pines, including Lake of the Pines, are reopened.
3/11 3:00pm Boulder Valley School buss routes Due to the fire in Lefthand Canyon today Friday, March 11, a few bus routes from Boulder High School, Foothill Elementary School, Centennial Middle School and Jamestown Elementary School have been affected. The schools have notified the students and parents affected to pick up their students.
At this time, neighborhoods that have been evacuated include Lefthand Subdivision, Mtn. Ridge, Mtn. Shadows, Lakeridge Trail, Streamcrest, North Foothills Ranch and Lake of Pines as of 2:30 PM this afternoon (3/11). An evacuation point has been set at the YMCA at 2850 Mapleton, Boulder. An “evacuation point” is simply a place to meet and connect with other people affected by the evacuations.
3/11/2:40pm INCIDENT UPDATED
Incident Overview
Firefighters are responding to a fire in the Lefthand Canyon area on the Boulder Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest. They are battling dry conditions and gusty winds. The fire is located eight miles north-northwest of Boulder.
Boulder Office of Emergency Management has issued an evacuation order. Please check their website (link to the right) for the latest evacuation information.
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Undetermined
Date of Origin Friday March 11th, 2011 approx. 10:35 AM
Location Started in Chaos Canyon
Incident Commander Dave Buchanan, Usfs
Current Situation
Size 200 acres
Fuels Involved
Burning in ponderosa pine with grassy understory
Outlook
3/11 2:00 pm According to Sarah Huntley city of Boulder Public information officer working at the Office of Emergency management, ”223 phone calls were made to evacuate the area. ” It is not known if there are that many homes threatened, but a cluster of home just north of left hand Canyon are being threatened. The fire is growing she said. She did say that fire scanner traffic indicated upward of 100 acres but this could not be confirmed. No homes are lost, there are no injuries and no loss of life has been reported to OEM.
11 1:25 p.m. – Air resources en route
An air tanker has been ordered out of New Mexico and is on it’s way with an expected arrival of 3:30 p.m. Firefighters will assess wind conditions before determining if air support is possible.
3/11 1:17 pm A call center for residents is available at 303-413-7730. Please do not call 9-1-1 unless it is an emergency. Anyone who lives in or around the area affected by the road closures and evacuations, or who is impacted by the events related to the fire, should contact the call center for assistance.
Emergency Status
03/11 1 p.m. – More evacuation information
Homes on the north side of Lefthand Canyon Drive have been ordered evacuated, more specifically, homes from the 3000 block of Lefthand Canyon Drive to Foothills Highway.
Evacuees are encouraged to check in at an evacuation center at the YMCA at 28th and Mapleton in Boulder.
Notification messages are also being sent from south of Lefthand Canyon Drive to Middle Fork Road. Residents are there are encouraged to remain alert and be prepared to evacuate, if emergency officials determine that is necessary for public safety reasons.
3/11 12:20 p.m. – Fire is estimated at 20 acres moving east from 3 MM on Lefthand Canyon Dr.
Fire is estimated at 20 acres moving east from 3 MM on Lefthand Canyon Dr. towards entrance to Boulder County Heil Ranch Open Space off Lefthand Canyon Dr.
Lefthand Canyon Dr. is closed form U.S. 36 to James Canyon.
Mandatory evacuations have been called for approximately 223 households in the Lefthand Canyon Dr. area, include Lake of the Pines subdivision to the north.
Large animals are being evacuated to Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont
A call center for residents is being established. The phone number will be 303-413-7730 when it is activated.
Lefthand Canyon Fire and Longmont Dam Road Fire Information – Boulder, CO
Information for both the Lefthand Canyon Fire (aka Lefthand Shooting Area Fire per inciweb) and Longmont Dam Road Fire is being posted online on Boulder Office of Emergency Management’s site at http://boulderoem.com/emergency-status. Fire information for the Lefthand Canyon Fire is also being posted on the by the U.S. Forest Service on Inciweb at http://inciweb.org/incident/2154/.
The hashtag being used to track posts for both fires via Twitter is #boulderfire.
There is also a public information line being established by Boulder OEM. That number is 303-413-7730
Email This BlogThis! Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Share to Google Buzz Posted by COEmergency at 12:41
Labels: incidents, wildland fire
INCIDENT UPDATED 9 MIN. AGO
Incident Overview
Firefighters are responding to a fire in the Lefthand Canyon area on the Boulder Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest. They are battling dry conditions and gusty winds. The fire is located eight miles north-northwest of Boulder.
Boulder Office of Emergency Management has issued an evacuation order. Please check their website (link to the right) for the latest evacuation information.
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Undetermined
Date of Origin Friday March 11th, 2011 approx. 10:00 AM
Incident Commander Dave Buchanan, Usfs
Current Situation
Total Personnel 9
Size 20 acres
Fuels Involved
Heavy smoke and flames in ponderosa pine with grassy understory
Outlook
Planned Actions
Firefighters hiking into the area.
Road Closures
Incident: Lefthand Shooting Area Fire Wildfire
Released: 18 min. ago
Lefthand Canyon Dr. is closed form U.S. 36 to James Canyon.
BoulderCountyOS Bo Co Open Space
Heil Valley Ranch closed at both trailheads as a precaution due to the Lefthand Canyon Fire. Rangers stationed at north and south trailheads
3/11 12:40 p.m. – Evacuation Center at the YMCA; small animal shelter info
The American Red Cross is opening up an evacuation center at the YMCA, 2850 Mapleton Ave. in Boulder, starting at 1 p.m. Evacuees are encouraged to go there and check in, even if they have other places to stay.
The Humane Society of Boulder Valley and the Longmont Humane Society are accepting small animals for care and shelter as a result of the Lefthand Canyon fire.
3/11 12:30 p.m. – Road closures
The sheriff’s office has ordered road closures due to the Lefthand Canyon fire. The following points are closed at this time:
Access points to Lefthand Canyon, including, but not limited to, all routes off Highway 36 and the Peak-to-Peak Highway
All access points through the James Canyone and Lee Hill subdivisions.
3/11 12:20 p.m. – Fire is estimated at 20 acres moving east from 3 MM on Lefthand Canyon Dr.
Fire is estimated at 20 acres moving east from 3 MM on Lefthand Canyon Dr. towards entrance to Boulder County Heil Ranch Open Space off Lefthand Canyon Dr.
Lefthand Canyon Dr. is closed form U.S. 36 to James Canyon.
Mandatory evacuations have been called for approximately 223 households in the Lefthand Canyon Dr. area, include Lake of the Pines subdivision to the north.
Large animals are being evacuated to Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont
A call center for residents is being established. The phone number will be 303-413-7730 when it is activated.
3/11 11:30 Wildland fire on Lefthand Canyon Dr.
Heavy smoke reported over foothills area near Lefthand Canyon Drive is a result of wildland fire burning on USFS land near 3700 block. At this time, no structures are in immediate danger, but residents in the area are being informed about the fire. Additional information will be posted here as it becomes availalble.
3/11 10:50 a.m. Firefighters reporting to another small fire in Boulder County (Lefthand Canyon)
There is another small fire in Boulder County, burning in Lefthand Canyon near 3.7 mile marker on U.S. Forest Service land. It is moving slowing and not growing beyond several feet at this time. Lefthand Fire Protection District has reported to the fire. The U.S. Forest Service will provide updates.
3/11 10:45 Wind conditions improving, but still a factor in fighting small wildland fire west of Lyons
Current Button Rock weather: 50 degrees, humidity 26 percent, wind from the northwest at 8 mph. Ridgetop winds northwest at 15-30 mph.
Wind conditions expected to improve a little over the next couple of hours. Winds continue to be from a northwesterly direction and may begin to mix down into the valley. Still potential for gusts to 50 mph on the ridges.
Information on the cause of the fire is available on the City of Longmont’s website.
03/11 08:45 a.m. – Fire size-up
The current size of the fire burning northwest of Botton Rock Reservoir is estimated at less than 2 acres. The fire is burning in an area that includes land owned by the City of Longmont and the U.S. Forest Service. 50 firefighters from eight agencies are working on the fire. High winds have made it difficult to contain, although the fire has low potential to spread because it is burning within an area in the form of a bowl surrounded by rock outcroppings
03/11 08:25 a.m. Longmont Dam Fire status update
50 firefighters are on-scene from the following agencies:
Boulder County Sheriff’s Office
City of Boulder Fire Dept.
Colorado State Forest Service
Lyons Fire Protection District
City of Longmont Fire Dept.
Pinewood Springs Fire Dept.
Lefthand Fire Protection District
Wildand Task Force
Hygiene Fire Dept.
U.S. Forest Service (a representative)
Pridemark Ambulance
Wildland Task Force
Fire is still estimated at 3-5 acres. Up to 10 residences are in the vicinity, none of which are threatened at this time.
A media briefing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. at the staging area established along the west side of U.S. 36 in Lyons across from the Black Bear Inn. Parking lot is coned off for media.
Commander Rick Brough (pronounced “Bruff”), Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, and Commander Jeff Satur, City of Longmont Police Department, will be available for interviews.
03/11 07:25 a.m. – Media briefing scheduled for 9 a.m.
A media briefing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. at the staging area established along the west side of U.S. 36 in Lyons across from the Black Bear Inn. Parking lot is coned off for media.
Commander Rick Brough (pronounced “Bruff”) with the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office will be available for interviews.
03/11 6:50 a.m. – Update on “Longmont Dam Road” fire
Fire is located near Longmont Dam Road, north of Button Rock Reservoir. No containment at this time. No structures are immediately threatened. No mandatory evacuations have been issued. 15-20 firefighters are on scene, another 20 are en route.
Fire is in area surrounded by Boulder County Open Space, U.S. Forest Service land, land owned by City of Longmont, and private property.
Agencies responding:
Boulder County Sheriff’s Office
Lyons Fire Protection District
City of Longmont Fire Dept.
Pinewood Springs Fire Dept.
Lefthand Fire Protection District
Wildand Task Force
Hygiene Fire Dept.
U.S. Forest Service (a representative)
Pridemark Ambulance
03/11 5:50 a.m. – Wildland fire near Lyons
Firefighters are working a wildland fire near the Button Rock Reservoir outside Lyons. The fire was reported at about 4:45 a.m. and at the time, appeared to be about three acres. There is a road closure at North St. Vrain Drive and Longmont Dam Road. No evacuations have been ordered at this time. Crews will be evaluating whether there are any structures threatened. The Emergency Operations Center has been activated and Public Information Officers are enroute to assess the situation and begin providing the community with updates as soon as possible.
Red Cross Disaster Alert
Colorado – In response to the Lefthand Canyon Fire in Boulder, the American Red Cross is opening an evacuation center at the YMCA, 2850 Mapleton Ave. in Boulder.
Evacuees are encouraged to go there and check in, even if they have other places to stay.
Only service animals are permitted at Red Cross shelters; however, the Humane Society of Boulder Valley and the Longmont Humane Society are accepting small animals for care and shelter as a result of the Lefthand Canyon fire.
For updates on the fire and firefighting response, visitwww.boulderoem.com.
Related posts:
Lefthand Canyon Fire and Longmont Dam Road Fire Information OEM, USFS road Closures #boulderfire #boulder
0March 11, 2011
by Boulder Channel 1
in News
This is a play list of 11 videos shot March 11 &12 at Left Hand Fire with Strike Team Bravo wild land fire fighters with Jann Scott and Boulder Channel 1
3/12 2:30 p.m. – Remaining Lefthand Canyon Fire evacuations to be lifted at 5 p.m. following a safety briefing for residents
At 5 p.m. today, all remaining mandatory evacuations for the Lefthand Canyon Fire will be lifted following a safety briefing for residents by the Lefthand Fire Protection District chief.
Residents of the fifteen to twenty homes that remain under mandatory evacuation along the north side of Lefthand Canyon Drive from Geer Canyon to the three mile marker are asked to check-in with Fire Chief Stoffel at the Lefthand Fire Protection District Station, 900 Lefthand Canyon Drive, at 5 p.m. today for a brief safety advisement before returning home. The briefing is intended to help residents become aware of existing dangers in the fire area and be prepared to spot changes in the fire that may prompt another evacuation. Contact: Lefthand Fire Protection District (720) 214-0560
Killer interview with Mary Beth Peacock NFS on all details of Left hand Canyon fire. EXPLAINS A LOT
March 12, 2008 Sheriff Comander Rick Braum Press Conf. Left Hand Canyon Fire talks about fire . Boulder channel 1 covered this entire event.
2/12/ noon Forest service says fire over 400 acres At todays press conference The Forest Service spokesperson said the fire was over 400 acres and that they are currently doing a GPS study to find out exactly how big it is.
Incident Overview
Last night firefighters made good progress on the Lefthand Canyon OHV Area Fire located on the Boulder Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest. The fire is located eight miles north-northwest of Boulder. Incident Commander Dave Buchanan reported that burn out operations went well and increased containment of the fire and their constant and considerable effort to secure Lefthand Drive. Firefighters continue to focus on public and firefighter safety as well as structure protection. Today firefighters will continue to build and secure fireline. They will be assisted by a helicopter that will be dropping water on the fire. Weather conditions are expected to be more favorable today with increased humidity, lower winds and temperatures and a 30 percent chance of rain or snow tonight.
For the latest information on road closures and evacuations visit the Boulder Office of Emergency Management website.
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Human-caused
Date of Origin Friday March 11th, 2011 approx. 10:35 AM
Location Started in Chaos Canyon
Incident Commander Dave Buchanan, Usfs
Current Situation
Total Personnel 150
Size 400 acres
Percent Contained 60%
Fuels Involved
Burning in ponderosa pine with grassy understory
Outlook
Planned Actions
Firefighters will continue to build and secure fireline today. Four 20-person handcrews will be working the fire today assisted by a helicopter dropping water. One more helicopter is on order. An additional 20-person crew is expected to arrive tonight.
Remarks
Twelve homes and six out buildings are threatened. Containment of the fire is mostly on the west, south and eastside of the fire. Fire managers will be improving the map of the fire today.
3/12, 12:00 p.m. EOC deactivating at 12 noon, Media Briefing at 3 p.m.
Due to the continued progress being made on the fire, the Office of Emergency Management Emergency Operations Center (EOC) demobilized at 12 noon today. Once a fire reaches a high level of containment and no additional support is needed by the EOC, the EOC is deactivated.
The USFS will continue to remain in command of fire operations. For additional updates on the fire, please visit the U.S. Forest Service incident management website at: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2154/
Two recorded hotlines will be updated with automated messages throughout the day:
Boulder County Call Center: 303-413-7730
U.S. Forest Service Fire Information line: 970-498-1030
A media briefing will be held at 3 p.m. today at the McGuckin Hardware warehouse parking lot on U.S. 36 at Neva Rd. Maribeth Pecotte from the U.S. Forest Service and Commander Rick Brough (pronounced “Bruff”) with the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office will be available for interviews.
3/12, 10:10 a.m. The USFS is reporting that the fire is now 60% contained
The USFS is reporting that the fire is now 60 percent contained. The U.S. Forest Service is posting information about the Lefthand OHV Area Fire on their national Incident Information System website: http://inciweb.org/incident/2154/. Please check this website for updates specific to fire activity and suppression efforts.
3/12, 10 a.m. Update on Evacuation
Fire crews and the Sheriff’s Office are hopeful that evacuees should be allowed back in their homes sometime this afternoon. Prior to allowing residents back into their homes, crews will be clearing potential fire hazards from within a 200-foot perimeter around each structure. They will be on hand while power lines are recharged to ensure sparks don’t ignite.
Lefthand Canyon between U.S. 36 and James Canyon remains closed for fire crews to be able to move equipment through the area. Residents will need to provide identification and proof of residency in that area when returning to their homes.
A heavy tanker is in the air helping fight the fire. A helicopter, capable of carrying 1,000 gallons of water, should be in the air soon for additional support.
Marsha Flint who has one of the houses up Left Hand Canyon tells how she and her husband got out and how two fire teams saved her house. Boulder Channel 1 interviewed her.
Jann Scott with Boulder Channel 1 catches 5 fire departments as the get ready to attack Left Hand Fire late in the day of March 11. Division Bravo strike team from West Metro Lakewood, Boulder Rural, EverGreen, Fairfield, Genesse, Brush Wild land firefighters prepare for long night and battle ahead.
Jann Scott gets upto fire as strike team prepares assault on raging inferno.
Boulder channel 1′s Boulder Heros LeftHand Fire: WestMetro Lakewood fire, Evergreen, Boulder Rural Genesse, Fairfield, Brush, fire departments create a 15 man strike team who head out into the blaze to keep it from crossing Left hand Canyon at old stage as an inferno rages in front of them. Jann Scott and boulder channel 1 were on the line with them and capture this footage as these heros headed out into the night to help save boulder heights
Boulder Channel 1 with West Metro Fire at LeftHand on Fire line.Jann Scott with Boulder channel 1 hooks up with West Metro Lakewood strike team at Old Stage and Left hand canyon road as fire rages in front of them. Heros walk into harms way to protect Boulder
3/11 6:15 p.m.Back burns will result in heavier smoke
Firefighters are setting back burns on Lefthand Canyon Drive from Olde Stage to the
target practice area. Heavy smoke will be visible as a result of this fire suppression effor
3/11 5:52 – Update on Animal Shelter info
The Longmont Humane Society will remain open until 8:30 p.m. for those who
need to drop off pets. The Humane Society of Boulder Valley will be open tonight until 8:15.
3/11 5:20 p.m. Air quality advisory
Due to the possibility of rapid weather changes, it is difficult to predict the condition of air quality related to current the fire.
In general, if you can see or smell smoke, it is recommended that you avoid outdoor physical activities. If visibility is decreased in your neighborhood to less than five miles, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.
Children, Elderly, and People with Respiratory Conditions
If you can see or smell smoke, children, elderly, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions should stay inside with the windows and doors closed. If it is hot outside, run an air conditioner if you have one, but keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. If you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, seek shelter elsewhere.
Children are more likely to be affected by health threats from smoke because their airways are still developing and because they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults. Children also are more likely to be active outdoors.
Older adults are more likely to be affected by smoke, as they have higher levels of heart or lung diseases than younger people.
Follow your doctor’s advice about medicines and about your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.Healthy Individuals
When smoke levels are high, even healthy people may experience coughing, a scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, stinging eyes, and a runny nose. If you can see or smell smoke, you should limit outdoor physical activities and stay indoors if at all possible.
Wildfire smoke contains pollutants that can be harmful to health. Particles from smoke tend to be very small and can therefore be inhaled into the deepest recesses of the lung and may represent a greater health concern than larger particles. Even in healthy people, this can cause temporary reductions in lung function and pulmonary inflammation. Particulate matter can also affect the body’s immune system.
Air quality updates are available at .
3/11 4:40 Evacuation update
Lefthand Canyon evacuations remain in place. Subdivisions north of Lake of the Pines, including Lake of the Pines, are reopened.
3/11 3:00pm Boulder Valley School buss routes Due to the fire in Lefthand Canyon today Friday, March 11, a few bus routes from Boulder High School, Foothill Elementary School, Centennial Middle School and Jamestown Elementary School have been affected. The schools have notified the students and parents affected to pick up their students.
At this time, neighborhoods that have been evacuated include Lefthand Subdivision, Mtn. Ridge, Mtn. Shadows, Lakeridge Trail, Streamcrest, North Foothills Ranch and Lake of Pines as of 2:30 PM this afternoon (3/11). An evacuation point has been set at the YMCA at 2850 Mapleton, Boulder. An “evacuation point” is simply a place to meet and connect with other people affected by the evacuations.
3/11/2:40pm INCIDENT UPDATED
Incident Overview
Firefighters are responding to a fire in the Lefthand Canyon area on the Boulder Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest. They are battling dry conditions and gusty winds. The fire is located eight miles north-northwest of Boulder.
Boulder Office of Emergency Management has issued an evacuation order. Please check their website (link to the right) for the latest evacuation information.
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Undetermined
Date of Origin Friday March 11th, 2011 approx. 10:35 AM
Location Started in Chaos Canyon
Incident Commander Dave Buchanan, Usfs
Current Situation
Size 200 acres
Fuels Involved
Burning in ponderosa pine with grassy understory
Outlook
3/11 2:00 pm According to Sarah Huntley city of Boulder Public information officer working at the Office of Emergency management, ”223 phone calls were made to evacuate the area. ” It is not known if there are that many homes threatened, but a cluster of home just north of left hand Canyon are being threatened. The fire is growing she said. She did say that fire scanner traffic indicated upward of 100 acres but this could not be confirmed. No homes are lost, there are no injuries and no loss of life has been reported to OEM.
11 1:25 p.m. – Air resources en route
An air tanker has been ordered out of New Mexico and is on it’s way with an expected arrival of 3:30 p.m. Firefighters will assess wind conditions before determining if air support is possible.
3/11 1:17 pm A call center for residents is available at 303-413-7730. Please do not call 9-1-1 unless it is an emergency. Anyone who lives in or around the area affected by the road closures and evacuations, or who is impacted by the events related to the fire, should contact the call center for assistance.
Emergency Status
03/11 1 p.m. – More evacuation information
Homes on the north side of Lefthand Canyon Drive have been ordered evacuated, more specifically, homes from the 3000 block of Lefthand Canyon Drive to Foothills Highway.
Evacuees are encouraged to check in at an evacuation center at the YMCA at 28th and Mapleton in Boulder.
Notification messages are also being sent from south of Lefthand Canyon Drive to Middle Fork Road. Residents are there are encouraged to remain alert and be prepared to evacuate, if emergency officials determine that is necessary for public safety reasons.
3/11 12:20 p.m. – Fire is estimated at 20 acres moving east from 3 MM on Lefthand Canyon Dr.
Fire is estimated at 20 acres moving east from 3 MM on Lefthand Canyon Dr. towards entrance to Boulder County Heil Ranch Open Space off Lefthand Canyon Dr.
Lefthand Canyon Dr. is closed form U.S. 36 to James Canyon.
Mandatory evacuations have been called for approximately 223 households in the Lefthand Canyon Dr. area, include Lake of the Pines subdivision to the north.
Large animals are being evacuated to Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont
A call center for residents is being established. The phone number will be 303-413-7730 when it is activated.
Lefthand Canyon Fire and Longmont Dam Road Fire Information – Boulder, CO
Information for both the Lefthand Canyon Fire (aka Lefthand Shooting Area Fire per inciweb) and Longmont Dam Road Fire is being posted online on Boulder Office of Emergency Management’s site at http://boulderoem.com/emergency-status. Fire information for the Lefthand Canyon Fire is also being posted on the by the U.S. Forest Service on Inciweb at http://inciweb.org/incident/2154/.
The hashtag being used to track posts for both fires via Twitter is #boulderfire.
There is also a public information line being established by Boulder OEM. That number is 303-413-7730
Email This BlogThis! Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Share to Google Buzz Posted by COEmergency at 12:41
Labels: incidents, wildland fire
INCIDENT UPDATED 9 MIN. AGO
Incident Overview
Firefighters are responding to a fire in the Lefthand Canyon area on the Boulder Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest. They are battling dry conditions and gusty winds. The fire is located eight miles north-northwest of Boulder.
Boulder Office of Emergency Management has issued an evacuation order. Please check their website (link to the right) for the latest evacuation information.
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Undetermined
Date of Origin Friday March 11th, 2011 approx. 10:00 AM
Incident Commander Dave Buchanan, Usfs
Current Situation
Total Personnel 9
Size 20 acres
Fuels Involved
Heavy smoke and flames in ponderosa pine with grassy understory
Outlook
Planned Actions
Firefighters hiking into the area.
Road Closures
Incident: Lefthand Shooting Area Fire Wildfire
Released: 18 min. ago
Lefthand Canyon Dr. is closed form U.S. 36 to James Canyon.
BoulderCountyOS Bo Co Open Space
Heil Valley Ranch closed at both trailheads as a precaution due to the Lefthand Canyon Fire. Rangers stationed at north and south trailheads
3/11 12:40 p.m. – Evacuation Center at the YMCA; small animal shelter info
The American Red Cross is opening up an evacuation center at the YMCA, 2850 Mapleton Ave. in Boulder, starting at 1 p.m. Evacuees are encouraged to go there and check in, even if they have other places to stay.
The Humane Society of Boulder Valley and the Longmont Humane Society are accepting small animals for care and shelter as a result of the Lefthand Canyon fire.
3/11 12:30 p.m. – Road closures
The sheriff’s office has ordered road closures due to the Lefthand Canyon fire. The following points are closed at this time:
Access points to Lefthand Canyon, including, but not limited to, all routes off Highway 36 and the Peak-to-Peak Highway
All access points through the James Canyone and Lee Hill subdivisions.
3/11 12:20 p.m. – Fire is estimated at 20 acres moving east from 3 MM on Lefthand Canyon Dr.
Fire is estimated at 20 acres moving east from 3 MM on Lefthand Canyon Dr. towards entrance to Boulder County Heil Ranch Open Space off Lefthand Canyon Dr.
Lefthand Canyon Dr. is closed form U.S. 36 to James Canyon.
Mandatory evacuations have been called for approximately 223 households in the Lefthand Canyon Dr. area, include Lake of the Pines subdivision to the north.
Large animals are being evacuated to Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont
A call center for residents is being established. The phone number will be 303-413-7730 when it is activated.
3/11 11:30 Wildland fire on Lefthand Canyon Dr.
Heavy smoke reported over foothills area near Lefthand Canyon Drive is a result of wildland fire burning on USFS land near 3700 block. At this time, no structures are in immediate danger, but residents in the area are being informed about the fire. Additional information will be posted here as it becomes availalble.
3/11 10:50 a.m. Firefighters reporting to another small fire in Boulder County (Lefthand Canyon)
There is another small fire in Boulder County, burning in Lefthand Canyon near 3.7 mile marker on U.S. Forest Service land. It is moving slowing and not growing beyond several feet at this time. Lefthand Fire Protection District has reported to the fire. The U.S. Forest Service will provide updates.
3/11 10:45 Wind conditions improving, but still a factor in fighting small wildland fire west of Lyons
Current Button Rock weather: 50 degrees, humidity 26 percent, wind from the northwest at 8 mph. Ridgetop winds northwest at 15-30 mph.
Wind conditions expected to improve a little over the next couple of hours. Winds continue to be from a northwesterly direction and may begin to mix down into the valley. Still potential for gusts to 50 mph on the ridges.
Information on the cause of the fire is available on the City of Longmont’s website.
03/11 08:45 a.m. – Fire size-up
The current size of the fire burning northwest of Botton Rock Reservoir is estimated at less than 2 acres. The fire is burning in an area that includes land owned by the City of Longmont and the U.S. Forest Service. 50 firefighters from eight agencies are working on the fire. High winds have made it difficult to contain, although the fire has low potential to spread because it is burning within an area in the form of a bowl surrounded by rock outcroppings
03/11 08:25 a.m. Longmont Dam Fire status update
50 firefighters are on-scene from the following agencies:
Boulder County Sheriff’s Office
City of Boulder Fire Dept.
Colorado State Forest Service
Lyons Fire Protection District
City of Longmont Fire Dept.
Pinewood Springs Fire Dept.
Lefthand Fire Protection District
Wildand Task Force
Hygiene Fire Dept.
U.S. Forest Service (a representative)
Pridemark Ambulance
Wildland Task Force
Fire is still estimated at 3-5 acres. Up to 10 residences are in the vicinity, none of which are threatened at this time.
A media briefing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. at the staging area established along the west side of U.S. 36 in Lyons across from the Black Bear Inn. Parking lot is coned off for media.
Commander Rick Brough (pronounced “Bruff”), Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, and Commander Jeff Satur, City of Longmont Police Department, will be available for interviews.
03/11 07:25 a.m. – Media briefing scheduled for 9 a.m.
A media briefing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. at the staging area established along the west side of U.S. 36 in Lyons across from the Black Bear Inn. Parking lot is coned off for media.
Commander Rick Brough (pronounced “Bruff”) with the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office will be available for interviews.
03/11 6:50 a.m. – Update on “Longmont Dam Road” fire
Fire is located near Longmont Dam Road, north of Button Rock Reservoir. No containment at this time. No structures are immediately threatened. No mandatory evacuations have been issued. 15-20 firefighters are on scene, another 20 are en route.
Fire is in area surrounded by Boulder County Open Space, U.S. Forest Service land, land owned by City of Longmont, and private property.
Agencies responding:
Boulder County Sheriff’s Office
Lyons Fire Protection District
City of Longmont Fire Dept.
Pinewood Springs Fire Dept.
Lefthand Fire Protection District
Wildand Task Force
Hygiene Fire Dept.
U.S. Forest Service (a representative)
Pridemark Ambulance
03/11 5:50 a.m. – Wildland fire near Lyons
Firefighters are working a wildland fire near the Button Rock Reservoir outside Lyons. The fire was reported at about 4:45 a.m. and at the time, appeared to be about three acres. There is a road closure at North St. Vrain Drive and Longmont Dam Road. No evacuations have been ordered at this time. Crews will be evaluating whether there are any structures threatened. The Emergency Operations Center has been activated and Public Information Officers are enroute to assess the situation and begin providing the community with updates as soon as possible.
Red Cross Disaster Alert
Colorado – In response to the Lefthand Canyon Fire in Boulder, the American Red Cross is opening an evacuation center at the YMCA, 2850 Mapleton Ave. in Boulder.
Evacuees are encouraged to go there and check in, even if they have other places to stay.
Only service animals are permitted at Red Cross shelters; however, the Humane Society of Boulder Valley and the Longmont Humane Society are accepting small animals for care and shelter as a result of the Lefthand Canyon fire.
For updates on the fire and firefighting response, visitwww.boulderoem.com.
Related posts:
latest from US EMBASSY TRIPOLI LIBYA Evacuate!
0February 23, 2011
by Boulder Channel 1
in News
U.S. Government Chartered Ferry Evacuation
February 22, 2011
A U.S. Government chartered ferry will depart Tripoli from the As-shahab Port in central Tripoli, located on the sea road across from the Radisson Blu Mahari Hotel, for Valletta, Malta on Wednesday, February 23. Processing of passengers will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. local time. U.S. citizen travelers wishing to depart should proceed as soon as possible after 9:00 a.m. to the pier and arrive no later than 10:00 a.m.
U.S. citizens will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to persons with medical emergencies or severe medical conditions. The ferry will depart no later than 3:00 p.m.
Travelers should bring valid travel documents and any necessary medications.
Each traveler may bring one suitcase and a small personal carry-on item. Although pets are allowed on the ferry, any pets transported to Malta must meet stringent European Union requirements, which can be found at http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/liveanimals/pets/ list_third_en.htm. The U.S. Embassies in Tripoli and Valletta are unable to assist U.S. citizens in obtaining the necessary documents and/or meeting other EU requirements for pet travel. Please note it is routine for pets to be rigorously examined and quarantined for six weeks upon entering Malta. Kenneling to meet Maltese pet requirements will be at the expense of the owner.
U.S. citizens seeking evacuation should be prepared to wait several hours. Travelers are advised to bring food, water, diapers and other necessary toiletries with them to the pier.
U.S. citizens requesting evacuation on U.S. Government-chartered transport must sign paperwork promising to reimburse the U.S. Government for transportation costs at a later date. Exact transportation costs are not yet available, but will be comparable to a one-way commercial ferry trip of a comparable distance on the date of travel. U.S. citizens who travel on U.S. Government–chartered transport will be expected to make their own onward travel plans from Malta.
Immediate family members (spouses and children) who are not U.S. citizens must be documented for entry into the safe haven country and/or the United States, if that is your final destination. A U.S. citizen child may be escorted by one adult, preferably a parent, who has appropriate travel documents. If a family has more than one U.S. citizen child, the one-adult rule still applies. All U.S. citizen travelers and their spouses and children, are required to have valid travel documents. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli will assist U.S. citizens with travel documents. U.S. citizens who do not hold a valid U.S. passport or visa and are interested in departing Libya via U.S. Government-chartered transportation should contact the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Embassy Tripoli by sending an email to LibyaEmergencyUSC@state.gov or by calling 1-202-501-4444 .
Related posts:
LATEST: US to evacuate Americans from Libya by ferry
0February 23, 2011
by Boulder Channel 1
in News
By MATTHEW LEE
Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department said late Tuesday it has chartered a ferry boat to evacuate Americans from Libya by sea amid increasingly violent unrest in the North African state as Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi vowed further crackdowns on opponents seeking his ouster.
In a notice sent to U.S. citizens in Libya, the department said Americans wishing to leave Libya should report to the As-shahab port in the capital of Tripoli with their passports starting at 9 a.m. local time on Wednesday. The ferry will depart for the Mediterranean island of Malta no later than 3 p.m. local time.
It said boarding the vessel would be on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to those with medical emergencies or severe medical conditions. Travelers will be allowed one suitcase and one small carry-on item, the notice said, adding that pets would be allowed on the ferry but that they must meet European Union requirements.
Those who want be evacuated should be prepared to wait several hours and bring food, water and other necessities to the pier, which is on the sea road across from the Radisson Blu Mahari Hotel in Tripoli.
Those who take the ferry will be expected to reimburse the government for the cost, estimated to be equivalent to the one-way commercial ferry crossing of the distance from Tripoli to the Maltese capital of Valletta, it said. Any onward travel from Malta must be paid for by the passengers, the notice said.
Immediate family members of U.S. citizens who are not themselves citizens will be able to board provided they have travel documents valid for their final destination.
The evacuation comes amid deteriorating security conditions throughout Libya, with Gadhafi vowing to defeat opponents that now control cities in the eastern part of the country.
Unsuccessful attempts were made Monday and Tuesday to evacuate by airplane 35 non-essential American diplomats and family members of U.S. Embassy personnel, prompting heightened fears for their safety.
The State Department believes there are about 600 U.S. citizens along with several thousand dual U.S.-Libyan nationals currently in Libya.
Related posts:
US Marines Ready for Egypt Rescue Mission
0January 28, 2011
by Boulder Channel 1
in News
Posted by MARK THOMPSON Friday, January 28, 2011 at 5:09 pm
The U.S. Marines have a pair of warships — the USS Kearsarge and the USS Ponce — just hanging around the southern end of the Red Sea waiting to see if they’re needed to rescue U.S. diplomats and citizens from Cairo. They’re half of the Marines’ 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, a mini-armada that recently dispatched 1,400 of its 2,000 Marines into Afghanistan. But they’ve got a “fair number” of helicopters, and Marines, still aboard. “They’re not in the on-deck circle yet,” a military official says. “They’re kind of getting ready to come out of the dugout.” Meetings in Washington through Friday night and into the weekend will determine if they’re ordered to carry out a NEO — a non-combat (but potentially dicey) evacuation operation.
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Saturday Oct 30 #boulder libraries back open #boulderfire re:#DomeFire
0October 30, 2010
Life begins to return to normal here in Boulder as another fire scare had the city on edge yesterday.
East Boulder Community Center and public libraries announce Saturday schedules
The East Boulder Community Center, Carnegie Branch Library for Local History and the Main Boulder Public Library have announced their Saturday schedules in light of the Dome Fire west of Boulder.
The East Boulder Community Center, located at 5660 Sioux Dr., is open for regular operations while being used as an overnight shelter/evacuation site. Both the senior and recreation facilities at this location will be open for regular operations and programs on Saturday, Oct. 30, with the following exceptions:
The recreation center gymnasium will be closed during site activation, and all Saturday morning swim lessons have been cancelled. These are the only impacts at this time. The status of this facility will be updated as additional information becomes available. Phone information for East Boulder Community Center, 303-441-4400.
The Main Boulder Public Library will offer usual Saturday hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Main Boulder Public Library is located at 1001 Arapahoe Ave. Main Library information: 303-441-3100. The Carnegie Branch Library for Local History, located at 1125 Pine St., will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Carnegie information: 303-441-3110.
For the most up-to-date information related to the Dome Fire, visit http://www.boulderoem.com/emergency-status.
source city
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Dome Fire evacuees: Now you can go home: #boulderfire
0October 30, 2010
City to lift evacuation order at 10 a.m. today
All mandatory evacuations of city neighborhoods in west Boulder will be lifted at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30. All residents and business owners west of 7th Street from Canyon Boulevard on the south to North Street on the north are welcome to return to their properties starting at that time.
Fire crews are still battling active fire west of the city. City residents in west Boulder neighborhoods can anticipate fire equipment in the area throughout the day. Residents may notice firefighting teams from other jurisdictions assisting with this effort.
Open Space and Mountain Parks trails in the evacuation zone will remain closed, and firefighters are asking for the public’s cooperation in staying off the trails and out of the area for recreational purposes.
The Dome wildfire originated near Dome Rock on City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks property on Friday, Oct. 29.
“On behalf of the city and emergency responders, we would like to thank the community for its cooperation and continued versatility during this event,” said City Manager Jane S. Brautigam. “We appreciate the diligent and exhaustive efforts of all of the responding firefighters.”
The North Boulder Recreation Center, 3170 Broadway, has resumed normal operations and class schedule today. Adult classes were cancelled on Friday due to health concerns related to the smoke.
The city encourages residents to remain alert and monitor local news and Emergency Operations Center updates for any changing information. For the most up-to-date information from emergency officials, visit http://www.boulderoem.com/emergency-status.
source city
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Pottery Lab will close at 5 p.m. #boulderfire, twitter bullys , Evacuations Can we go home yet
0October 29, 2010
Pottery Lab will close at 5 p.m.
The Pottery Lab will close at 5 p.m. on Friday can we go home yet?, Oct. 29, as a result of the Dome Fire burning west of Boulder:
Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring the Boulder County Emergency Management website at http://www.boulderoem.com/emergency-status for further information and evacuation updates.
Evacuations are still in effect, but a huge number of air water attacks before dark will help to ensure that the fire remains on the ground and close to extinction. There is some discussion right now as to whether resident will be allowed back in to their homes in some evac area. according to Sarah Huntley OEM media the lifting evacuations were being discussed regularly, but no decision had been made to do so as of yet. 1700 people have been evacuated in the city with over 800 units including the Senior center on Walnut. Evacuation are goes from Canyon to North Street and 7th west.
The fire has not been a catastrophic threat since early this afternoon as reported by Boulder Channel 1. With the winds calm and rigorous fire fighting efforts, the worst had passed by 1:00.
According to Sarah Huntley at OEM “ This fire is not nearly as dangerous as the Fourmile Fire where the wind were a factor. ” Our hope is the fire will settle down this evening” she said. It has not spread beyond it’s 139 acres for several hours….and we see that as a good sign. Over 29 agencies and 165 firemen are on the scene. she said. We do not need federal help for this fires Huntley said.
Huntley did say the fire has not crossed Sunshine, is not on Mt Sanitas and remains South of Sun Shine Canyon though there was a lot of smoke up on Sanitas.
Social Media in Boulder went nuts today with much gossip going on by local techies where they descended into cyber bullying. This will be the topic of a special Jann Scott Live on Boulder Channel 1 at 8:00 pm tonight. The bullying started out with young marketing women and then spread to their male counterparts. Twitter is primarily a womens social media tool has become a form of watching soap operas gone ary.
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UPDATE: City of Boulder begins MORE evacuations #boulderfire
0October 29, 2010
| 10/29 – City evacuations ordered |
| City orders evacuations of selected west Boulder neighborhoods
The City of Boulder has begun mandatory evacuations of neighborhoods in west Boulder. All residences and businesses within the following boundaries are being ordered to evacuate: west of 7th Street from Canyon Boulevard on the south to North Street on the north. An evacuation center has been established at the Coors Event Center on the University of Colorado – Boulder campus. There are an estimated 1,700 people and 800 units within these boundaries. The evacuations are in response to the Dome wildfire in Boulder Canyon near Dome Rock on City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks property. More than two dozen firefighters are on scene working the fire, and a one-seat plane has been making drops of retardant in the area. Additional ground and air support has been requested. “As a precaution and to aid responders dealing with the Dome Fire, we are ordering a mandatory evacuation in some neighborhoods within the city,” said City Manager Jane S. Brautigam. “We are asking that residents follow the directions of emergency crews now so that emergency equipment can be positioned and crews can focus on extinguishing the wildfire. Resident and business cooperation is greatly appreciated as we work to contain this fire.” Frequent updates are being posted to http://www.boulderoem.com/emergency-status. |
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Boulder Channel 1 Jumps gun on reporting deaths in Four Mile Fire
4September 10, 2010
We jumped the gun on reporting deaths in the Four Mile Canyon Fire. Two sources told us there were deaths. We don’t reveal sources in order to keep an open line in developing stories.
In the propane tank car story we stand by that.
In the 911 failure story we stand by that too.
In the social media twitter internet story that is also acurate. We in fact were asked again by the city PIO to help get the word out on evacuation preparations.
In the 200 houses burned story we stand by that. It turned out 165 plus 34 damaged? And evacuees still insist that number is low. But our sources gave us those numbers early.
In the story reporting possible deaths, we jumped the gun We know that is an active investigation by Officials and as recently as today they confirmed that there are still unaccounted people that they have not reported to the press on. see todays interviews below.
We have a policy of aggressively pursuing story’s and we will run with stories that we feel are accurate and sourced by hi-level officials when larger non New media organizations won’t go with. They wait for an official release of information. We don’t because we may wait for ever or never. Other news agencies have fed us sources on these stories in order to break the story and make officials respond. We will take it and confirm. Is it risky ? Yep. Sometimes we get it wrong. Often we are right but way in advance of official response. In that sense we do our own investigations
Below is todays conversations of missing people still not publicly acknowledged, but are under investigation:
September 9 9:15 That is a question and determination being made by USFA and Boulder Sheriff’s ”There are still 20 people missing” Sherriff said. ” and we cannot connect all of the burned out cars to people yet.” ” There maybe missing people that we don’t know are missing” There could be hikers and bikers missing that we have know idea were up there on Holiday weekend. We could be finding bodies six months from now we just don’t know” ” we have not been in all of the structures to see whats there. There are still areas that are very dangerous” said Rick Braugh PIO commander to boulder Channel 1 news today. There is so much that we have not processed through, we don’t even know what we have yet”
But USFS forest service source tells us ” We do have cars that look like they were returning or trying to evacuate that are incinerated and we have not attached people to these cars” Rick Braugh said, “there are so many cars…. they are all over the place” USFS spokesperson said ” It looks Grim from the positioning of the cars, but how will we ever know? The heat was 5000 degrees. we cannot go on the assumption that know one was in these vehicles. We have to find the people and htis part looks Grim” said USAF spokesperson.
According to Braugh ” “the two to 5 people we assumed were incinerated have now been found , but that does not mean there are not more or that there are fatalities. We are still looking for 20 people right now and that number can go up or down”" How will we ever do forensics ? Where would we look. Everything is dust.”
