Posts tagged UPDATE
CU’s Android App tweets disaster aid
0September 28, 2011
CU-DEVELOPED ANDROID APP HELPS
PEOPLE TWEET DURING DISASTERS
Just as codes once were developed for public safety communication via citizens band radios, a common language now is being formulated for disaster communication via Twitter — posing a challenge for people who haven’t yet learned or can’t recall it.
Daniel Schaefer, a University of Colorado Boulder doctoral student in communication, recently created a solution to this problem in the form of a software application, or app, for mobile devices. It turns everyday language into a Twitter syntax used during disasters through a special smart phone keyboard.
“Twitter has become popular during disasters because it offers a concise and efficient communication medium,” said Schaefer, who was inspired by the 2010 Fourmile Canyon Fire near Boulder. “However, a need to standardize the syntaxes used on Twitter has surfaced particularly for the emergency personnel, affected individuals, concerned loved ones, information officers and journalists who use it to provide and monitor information and collaborate on rescue efforts.”
The free app, called the Bucket Brigade Keyboard, is designed for Android devices. It transforms the standard smart phone keyboard display into a keypad of 12 message choices such as “help,” “location” and “request.” When these messages are selected, corresponding tweets — about one’s status, needs and offers to help — are queued for posting online.
“In a disaster, communication and working together can save lives,” said Schaefer. “Just as a bucket brigade fills and passes buckets of water to help put out a fire, this app allows people to fill and pass buckets of tweets to help during a disaster.”
The syntax used in Schaefer’s app — which turns an “I’m Ok” key into “#imok” — is based on a concept devised in 2009 by doctoral student Kate Starbird of CU’s Project EPIC (Empowering the Public with Information in Crisis) research group. The streamlining of disaster-related Twitter communication through Starbird’s idea, called “Tweak the Tweet,” makes the information computationally easier to extract and collate, which can help connect people with needs to responders.
Nearly 3,000 tweets using the Tweak the Tweet syntax were posted in the weeks following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. More than 500 tweets using the syntax were posted in the wake of the 2011 tornado in Joplin, Mo.
During those instances, users manually entered text that now can be deployed with the touch of a button through the Bucket Brigade Keyboard.
The app not only empowers people with a standard language, but also is designed for convenience using accessible technology, according to Schaefer.
“People are going to be holding smart phones during disasters,” he said. “They’re not going to be going to laptop computers or cafés with time to look up the syntax.”
Schaefer entered the Bucket Brigade Keyboard in the Federal Communications Commission’s Apps for Communities contest. The challenge calls for apps that help local government deliver quality-of-life-improving information to populations that are typically disenfranchised or disconnected from broadband communications.
The Bucket Brigade Keyboard has been downloaded in 20 countries.
Schaefer says a planned update to the Bucket Brigade Keyboard will add more Twitter shortcuts to the app, as well as auto-fill and auto-correction features.
For more information on the Bucket Brigade Keyboard visit https://market.android.com/details?id=com.bucketbrigade.softkeyboard&feature=search_result. For information on the Apps for Communities challenge visit http://appsforcommunities.challenge.gov/.
-CU-
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Sign up for all-mail vote now!
0September 26, 2011
by Ron Baird, news editor
in News
One week left to register to vote
Deadline approaching to receive mail ballot for Nov. 1 election
Boulder County, Colo. – Residents who plan to cast a ballot in the 2011 coordinated election have one week left to register to vote.
The deadline to register for the election, which will be conducted by mail ballot, is Monday, Oct. 3.
Boulder County voters can visit www.BoulderCountyVotes.org to register to vote, request a mail ballot, or check and update their voter registration. They can also call 303-413-7740 for more information or visit one of three Boulder County Clerk & Recorder’s Office branches: 1750 33rd St. in Boulder; 529 Coffman St. in Longmont; or 722 Main St. in Louisville. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Voters who have moved since the previous election will need to update their registration if they plan to vote in the upcoming election.
The upcoming election will be conducted by mail ballot only. All active, registered voters will receive a ballot. Election Day is Nov. 1, but voters will begin receiving ballots in mid-October.
Visit www.BoulderCountyVotes.org to register to vote, check or update your voter registration, or learn more about elections.
Key Dates for the 2011 Coordinated Election
• Monday, Oct. 3: Last day to register to vote for the election. Boulder County Elections Division offices close at 4:30 p.m.
• Nov. 1: Election Day. Ballots must be in hands of Boulder County Clerk & Recorder’s Office no later than 7 p.m.
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Boulder deadline approaching to register to vote in upcoming election
0September 9, 2011
by Ron Baird, news editor
in News
Boulder County, Colo. – Residents who plan to cast a ballot in the 2011 coordinated election have less than one month to register to vote.
The deadline to register for the 2011 coordinated election, which will be conducted by mail ballot, is Oct. 3.
Boulder County voters can visit BoulderCountyVotes.org to register to vote, request a mail ballot, or check and update their voter registration. They can also call 303-413-7740 for more information or visit one of three Boulder County Clerk & Recorder’s Office branches: 1750 33rd St. in Boulder; 529 Coffman St. in Longmont; or 722 Main St. in Louisville.
Voters who have moved since the previous election will need to update their registration if they plan to vote in the upcoming election.
Election Day is Nov. 1, but voters will begin receiving ballots in mid-October.
Key Dates for the 2011 Coordinated Election:
· Monday, Oct. 3: Last day to register to vote for the election.
· Tuesday, Oct. 25: Last day to apply for a ballot if you’d like to receive it by mail. (Active voters can apply for and receive a ballot in person through Election Day.)
· Nov. 1: Election Day. Ballots must be in hands of Boulder County Clerk & Recorder’s Office no later than 7 p.m.
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Boulder Police chief Mark Beckner asks media vampires to “would you Please!”
0August 24, 2011
Jann Scott Live from CATV 54 taking on News media 1997
In the late 1990s then police chief Tom Koby tried to reel the news media in over their frenzy feed coverage of the JonBennet murder. It back fired. Mark Beckner is all to aware of that episode and is cautious to repeat the tenor of that kind of reprimand. We did many Jann Scott Live TV shows about the news media rape of Boulder during that time.
One recommendation we have to Chief Beckner is for the Boulder PD to put up Media information on their website. The following is Mark Beckners’ letter to the media:
Dear members of the media:
As you know, we are a mid-size agency in a college town with lots of activity that tends to draw media attention. Unfortunately, we only have one PIO. While we take our media relationships, opportunities and responsibilities seriously, it is not reasonable to ask or expect one person to be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have established some guidelines in the past with previous PIO’s and identified procedures the media should follow in getting updates or information after hours. Over time, and as turnover has occurred, these procedures have not been utilized. Although not new, I’d like to remind everyone of what these procedures are.
- · Our PIO is generally available (303-441-3370) and happy to help you with all your inquiries during normal working hours (M-F, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, with the exception of holidays and vacation). If you would like an update on a major case, we request that you call toward the end of the normal work day (M-F, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm) to obtain the latest information, rather than waiting until the evening hours to call. If not immediately available during business hours, our PIO will get back to you as soon as possible.
- · If you have routine questions or want some information on something that has happened or is happening after hours, the proper procedure is to call our dispatch center at 303-441-3333. Dispatch will field your request and forward it to an on-duty supervisor who will get back to you as soon as he/she can. Calling our PIO after hours is not helpful, as she is unlikely to have immediate access to the information.
- · We recommend that weekend reporters look ahead for stories they may wish to cover on the weekends and conduct any necessary interviews in advance. Unless something new develops or assistance is requested by an incident commander, our PIO will not be available for standup interviews to help media organizations catch up on stories that occurred during the work week.
- · Should we have a major event or major crime develop after hours that we know will attract a lot of immediate media attention, or there is a public safety need to get the information out quickly, the incident commander will contact our PIO to assist with providing you with information in a timely manner. This may occur in the form of a press release and phone interviews or the PIO responding to the scene. If the PIO is not available, someone will be assigned to act as a PIO for the particular incident, usually a Sergeant or Commander
- · If you need a copy of a closed or cleared report, you may contact our Records and Information Services unit (RIS) at 303-441-3300. This number may be called
at any time of day as RIS is typically available 24 hours a day (except some holidays). RIS is the only unit that can release reports. Calling the PIO for a copy of a report can actually take more time, as she has to relay the request to RIS for processing. The RIS staff will be able to tell you if the report is available to the public. Reports on open investigations are generally not available to the public. Our PIO can answer questions about individual cases or provide general information, but is not expected to read case reports to
reporters over the phone.
Please know that it is unlikely that an after-hours on-duty supervisor will be able to give you updates on cases being investigated by detectives or those that occurred on a previous shift. For these situations, it is best to check in with the PIO during regular hours. If something new should happen in one of these types of cases after hours and immediate release of this information is necessary, the detective commander will contact the PIO and ask her to alert you.
We are committed to be as informative as possible and we greatly appreciate the opportunity to work with you on communicating important public safety information. These procedures are intended to help meet your needs while recognizing the staffing limitations of our department.
Please let me know if you have any questions about these procedures. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Mark R. Beckner
Chief of Police
Boulder, Colorado
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Boulder City Council approves several ballot questions for voter consideration
0August 16, 2011
by Boulder Channel 1
in News
Boulder City Council, at a meeting this evening, Tuesday, Aug. 16, approved several ballot questions to be considered by voters between now and Nov. 1, 2011. These include questions related to the following issues:
- · Creation of a local electric utility (municipalization) and the expansion and extension of the Utility Occupation Tax to raise interim funding;
- Issuance of bonds to fund capital improvement projects without raising taxes;
- Clean-up of Charter provisions; and
- Local resolution for an the amendment of the U.S. Constitution to abolish corporate personhood.
Municipalization
Council approved ballot language that will ask voters two separate questions related to the possible creation of a municipally run electric utility.
In general terms, one question asks voters to decide whether to authorize the creation of a locally run electric utility. Based on specific limitations in the ballot language and a related ordinance, council would not be permitted to issue bonds until all start-up costs are finalized, and only if customer rates would be no more than those charged by Xcel Energy at the time of acquisition.
Another question asks voters to consider extending and increasing the Utility Occupation Tax for a limited amount of time to fund the costs associated with determining those concrete start-up expenses and taking the interim steps to set up a local utility.
Capital Improvements
Council agreed to ask voters if the city should issue bonds of up to $49 million to catch up on significant deficiencies in its infrastructure. These capital improvement projects could include repairing and maintaining streets, structurally deficient bridges, repairing aging city facilities, and replacing outdated software systems.
If approved, the bonds would be paid for through existing revenues without any increase in any city tax.
Charter Changes
Council agreed to ask voters if they would approve updates to the Charter. The provisions would allow the clerk to rename city positions and departments to reflect the titles that are in use today; to change the fine from $100 to $1,000 for any violation of the Charter; to update election practices and terminology; and to amend the requirements for submitting initiative petitions to the city.
Corporate Personhood
Council agreed to ask voters if they will approve a measure that calls for the amendment of the U.S. Constitution to reflect that human beings, not corporations, are entitled to constitutional rights and that money (specifically in the form of political contributions) is not a form of speech.
Election Information
This year’s election is by mail-in ballot. Ballots will be mailed to active voters between Oct. 10 and Oct. 14. People will be able to return the ballots by mail or drop them off at Boulder County’s Election Division anytime after receiving them until 7 p.m. on Nov. 1.
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Boulder Xcel deal falls apart: condition ends talks about possible wind deal
0July 15, 2011
by Boulder Channel 1
in News
Xcel condition ends talks about possible wind deal
Several weeks of intensive and committed negotiations with Xcel Energy about the possibility of a wind purchase plan with Boulder ended this week, when Xcel refused to drop a condition that City Council agree to put a 20-year franchise on the ballot in November, without a corresponding wind agreement.
Xcel wanted City Council to put both the franchise paired with a wind deal and the franchise by itself on the ballot. City staff had been working with Xcel to develop a proposal for council that could have included the franchise if it were paired with the increase in renewable energy that was associated with the possible wind agreement.
City staff advised Xcel multiple times that council support for a standalone franchise was unlikely. During each of these conversations, the utility’s representatives indicated they wanted to keep negotiating and take that issue “under advisement” later. On Tuesday, July 12, Xcel communicated a final determination that it would not agree to a wind deal at all if the standalone franchise was not a part of the proposal to council.
The city’s energy future goals include stable rates, more local control and a decreased carbon footprint. While the franchise paired with significantly increased renewable wind energy would have moved toward some of these goals, the franchise by itself does not.
The city spent most of 2010 discussing the possibility of a standalone franchise with Xcel Energy. City Council weighed many factors, including the rapidly changing energy industry, the emergence of innovative technology and Boulder’s steadfast commitment to lowering greenhouse gas emissions. After careful deliberations, council decided last summer that 20 years was simply too long to commit to a coal-dependent, investor-owned utility and rejected this option.
Since then, Xcel Energy has continued to provide electricity to homes and businesses in the city without a franchise agreement, as required by state law. The city, meanwhile, has worked to define the community’s goals for its energy future and analyze a variety of paths for achieving them. One of these has been the possible creation of a municipally owned power utility.
In late May, Xcel outlined a proposal that could help the community achieve some of its goals without creating its own utility. The proposal involved the city paying increased initial costs associated with the construction of a new wind farm in eastern Colorado. The turbines would have put 200 megawatts of new wind power onto the state’s grid. Boulder, in return for its investment, would purchase the Renewable Energy Credits. While the city was interested in exploring a wind agreement, both the staff team and council members had significant concerns about the proposal. Among them was the level of financial risk the city would assume in this venture. Representatives of the city, Xcel Energy and wind developer NextEra Energy Resources began negotiations in hopes of resolving these concerns.
Many of the questions were addressed; however, Xcel’s insistence on a standalone franchise ballot option has brought the discussions to an end.
“The City of Boulder understands why Xcel Energy wants a 20-year franchise agreement, and it is possible that council and voters might have approved that, if such an agreement came with a well-negotiated wind purchase plan,” said City Manager Jane Brautigam. “But we know that a franchise by itself would tie the city to a long-term energy future that remains largely dependent on investments in coal and a business model that prevents local communities from making decisions about their own energy futures. This runs contrary to the goals Boulder wants to achieve.”
City Attorney Tom Carr said the city appreciates Xcel and NextEra’s interest and work on the proposal, but that successful passage of this option, given the utility’s demand, was unlikely.
“We spent many hours at the table, and it was clear that all the parties were committed to trying to reach a mutually acceptable agreement,” Carr said. “I thank everyone for their participation, but sometimes there are problems for which there are no solutions. This appears to be an obstacle we could not overcome.”
Carr plans to provide a written update on the status of the wind negotiations as part of a memo that council members will receive prior to their July 19 meeting. He will also give a brief verbal presentation on July 19 under a section of the meeting called Matters from the City Attorney, which typically occurs near the end of the evening. A public hearing on other energy options will proceed as planned. Because the staff team does not believe that it can make a good faith recommendation that council consider a standalone franchise, and because Xcel has said it will not move forward without one, the wind proposal will not be a part of that hearing.
The full memo to council will be available at http://www.boulderenergyfuture.com before Tuesday’s council meeting. Additional information and previous memos are available at that same website now.
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Portapotty suspect may have spied in other restrooms
0June 24, 2011
Boulder police continue to investigate the suspect in the portable toilet spying incident that happened at the Hanuman Yoga Festival on June 17. Luke Irvin Chrisco (DOB 9/12/1980) was arrested during a traffic stop in Vail on June 23 and remains in the custody of Vail Police and is being held on Boulder charges.
During the course of the investigation, Chrisco claimed that he had spied on women in other public restrooms around Boulder. Detectives are in the process of contacting business owners in an attempt to substantiate Chrisco’s statements. In addition, detectives are searching all restrooms in which Chrisco claimed to have spied. Police will notify all Boulder businesses today which have been named by Chrisco.
Detectives have already confirmed that there are “peepholes” in the restrooms of several local businesses. Owners of those businesses are taking appropriate action to seal the holes. At this time, police are not releasing the names of the businesses because detectives are still conducting the investigation and confirming information.
Boulder detectives are working with the District Attorney’s Office and it is anticipated that Chrisco could face additional charges.
The Boulder Police Department will update the public and media early next week, as soon as more information is available which has been confirmed.
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Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan 2010 Major Update available for review
0April 6, 2011
The draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP) 2010 Major Update is now available for review at www.bouldervalleycompplan.net; paper copies can also be obtained by calling 303-441-4293. To learn about the various feedback opportunities, visit the draft plan website. Comments received by Friday, April 29 will be reflected in future public hearing materials.
An open house will be held on Wednesday, April 20 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building Lobby, 1777 Broadway. Staff will be available to answer questions and take feedback.
The draft plan is currently scheduled for consideration at the following public meetings:
· City Council and Planning Board joint public hearing on Tuesday, May 24, 2011
· Boulder County Planning Commission on Wednesday, July 20 at the Boulder County Court House. 1325 Pearl St.
· Boulder County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, July 26 at the Boulder County Court House, 1325 Pearl St.
These dates/times are subject to change. All meetings will be posted at www.bouldervalleycompplan.net.
For more than a year, the city has been collecting community feedback for the BVCP 2010 Major Update. The major update process happens every five years to reflect changes in circumstances and community desires. The BVCP indicates the preferred long-term use of land in the Boulder Valley and provides guidance for zoning and development decisions. It is adopted by four bodies: The City of Boulder Planning Board, the City Council, the County Planning Commission, and the Board of County Commissioners.
For more information, visit www.bouldervalleycompplan.net.
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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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UPDATE; Red Flag Weather Warning 11:00am #boulderfire 35mph gusts. dry, hot til Sat Morn Bad.
0October 29, 2010
Hazardous Weather Outlook
HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK…DELAYED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DENVER CO
1058 AM MDT FRI OCT 29 2010
COZ030>051-301200-
JACKSON COUNTY BELOW 9000 FEET-WEST JACKSON AND WEST GRAND
COUNTIES ABOVE 9000 FEET-GRAND AND SUMMIT COUNTIES BELOW 9000
FEET-SOUTH AND EAST JACKSON/LARIMER/NORTH AND NORTHEAST GRAND/
NORTHWEST BOULDER COUNTIES ABOVE 9000 FEET-SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST
GRAND/WEST CENTRAL AND SOUTHWEST BOULDER/GILPIN/CLEAR CREEK/
SUMMIT/NORTH AND WEST PARK COUNTIES ABOVE 9000 FEET-LARIMER AND
BOULDER COUNTIES BETWEEN 6000 AND 9000 FEET-JEFFERSON AND WEST
DOUGLAS COUNTIES ABOVE 6000 FEET/GILPIN/CLEAR CREEK/NORTHEAST PARK
COUNTIES BELOW 9000 FEET-CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST PARK COUNTY-LARIMER
COUNTY BELOW 6000 FEET/NORTHWEST WELD COUNTY-BOULDER AND JEFFERSON
COUNTIES BELOW 6000 FEET/WEST BROOMFIELD COUNTY-NORTH DOUGLAS
COUNTY BELOW 6000 FEET/DENVER/WEST ADAMS AND ARAPAHOE COUNTIES/
EAST BROOMFIELD COUNTY-ELBERT/CENTRAL AND EAST DOUGLAS COUNTIES
ABOVE 6000 FEET-NORTHEAST WELD COUNTY-CENTRAL AND SOUTH WELD
COUNTY-MORGAN COUNTY-CENTRAL AND EAST ADAMS AND ARAPAHOE COUNTIES-
NORTH AND NORTHEAST ELBERT COUNTY BELOW 6000 FEET/NORTH LINCOLN
COUNTY-SOUTHEAST ELBERT COUNTY BELOW 6000 FEET/SOUTH LINCOLN
COUNTY-LOGAN COUNTY-WASHINGTON COUNTY-SEDGWICK COUNTY-PHILLIPS
COUNTY-
1058 AM MDT FRI OCT 29 2010
…RED FLAG WARNING TODAY UNTIL 6 PM MDT FOR AREAS IN AND NEAR THE
FRONT RANGE FOOTHILLS…
THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTHEAST AND NORTH CENTRAL
COLORADO.
.DAY ONE…REST OF TODAY AND TONIGHT…UNSEASONABLY WARM AND DRY
CONDITIONS HAVE COMBINED WITH GUSTY AND ERRATIC CHINOOK WINDS TO
PRODUCE HIGH WILDLAND FIRE DANGER CONDITIONS IN AND NEAR THE FRONT
RANGE FOOTHILLS. THESE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED TO PERSIST THROUGH
LATE THIS AFTERNOON…AND POSSIBLY THROUGH EARLY THIS EVENING.
STRONG WARMING ALOFT HAS PRODUCED A STRONG MOUNTAIN TOP INVERSION
WHICH HAS CAUSED STRONGER WINDS ALOFT TO MOVE DOWN THE EAST SLOPE OF
THE FRONT RANGE. THE LACK OF RECENT PRECIPITATION…DRY FUELS AND
VERY LOW DAYTIME RELATIVE HUMIDITIES HAVE PROMPTED THE ISSUANCE OF A
RED FLAG WARNING FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 215…238..239 AND 241. THIS
WARNING IS CURRENTLY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MDT TODAY. WIND SPEEDS ARE
EXPECTED TO GRADUALLY DIMINISH OVERNIGHT AS THE MOUNTAIN TOP
INVERSION WEAKENS. HOWEVER AREAS NEAR THE BASE OF THE FOOTHILLS MAY
REMAIN RELATIVELY WARM…DRY AND GUSTY FOR MUCH OF THE NIGHT.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY
GUSTY WEST WINDS OF 20 TO 40 MPH WILL DECREASE SATURDAY MORNING OVER
THE NORTHERN MOUNTAINS AND EAST SLOPES. THE WEST WINDS WILL
INCREASE AGAIN LATE SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY MORNING AS AN UPPER
LEVEL DISTURBANCE PASSES ACROSS COLORADO. GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH ARE
AGAIN POSSIBLE OVER THE EAST SLOPES ON SUNDAY MORNING.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A CHANCE OF SHOWERS IN THE MOUNTAINS SATURDAY
NIGHT AND EARLY SUNDAY. ANOTHER DISTURBANCE WILL MOVE ACROSS
COLORADO ON MONDAY WITH A CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND COOLER TEMPERATURES
ACROSS THE ENTIRE AREA.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT…
SPOTTER ACTIVATION WILL NOT BE NEEDED TODAY OR TONIGHT.
$$
BAKER/ENTREKIN
Short Term Forecast
SHORT TERM FORECAST
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DENVER CO
1103 AM MDT FRI OCT 29 2010
COZ038-039-291915-
LARIMER COUNTY BELOW 6000 FEET/NORTHWEST WELD COUNTY-BOULDER AND
JEFFERSON COUNTIES BELOW 6000 FEET/WEST BROOMFIELD COUNTY-
INCLUDING FORT COLLINS…HEREFORD…LOVELAND…NUNN…ARVADA…
BOULDER…GOLDEN…LAKEWOOD…LONGMONT
1103 AM MDT FRI OCT 29 2010
.NOW…
GUSTY AND ERRATIC CHINOOK WINDS WILL CONTINUE THROUGH EARLY THIS
AFTERNOON IN AREAS FROM NEAR THE BASE OF THE FRONT RANGE FOOTHILLS
EAST TO ABOUT INTERSTATE 25. HIGH WIND PRONE AREAS SUCH AT THE
OPENING OF CLEAR CREEK…SOUTH BOULDER CREEK NEAR ELDORADO
SPRINGS…THE CACHE LA POUDRE RIVER WEST OF FORT COLLINS…AND
BOULDER CANYON…COULD SEE OCCASIONAL WEST WIND GUSTS TO AS HIGH
AS 35 MPH.
$$
BAKER
Red Flag Warning
URGENT – FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DENVER CO
912 AM MDT FRI OCT 29 2010
COZ215-238-239-241-300000-
/O.NEW.KBOU.FW.W.0018.101029T1512Z-101030T0000Z/
LARIMER AND BOULDER COUNTIES BETWEEN 6000 AND 9000 FEET-
LARIMER COUNTY BELOW 6000 FEET/NORTHWEST WELD COUNTY-
BOULDER AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES BELOW 6000 FEET/WEST BROOMFIELD
COUNTY-ELBERT/CENTRAL AND EAST DOUGLAS COUNTIES ABOVE 6000 FEET-
912 AM MDT FRI OCT 29 2010
…RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MDT THIS EVENING FOR
GUSTY WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 215…238…
239 AND 241…
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN DENVER HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG
WARNING…WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MDT THIS EVENING.
GUSTY AND ERRATIC WEST WINDS WILL CONTINUE IN THE NORTHERN FRONT
RANGE FOOTHILLS AND ALONG THE BASE OF THE FOOTHILLS IN DOUGLAS…
JEFFERSON…BOULDER AND LARIMER COUNTIES THROUGH LATE THIS
AFTERNOON. THESE AREAS WILL ALSO SEE VERY LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITIES
POSSIBLY IN THE SINGLE DIGITS. FUEL MOISTURES IN THE AREA ARE ALSO
REPORTED TO BE LOW.
* AFFECTED AREA…FIRE WEATHER ZONE 215…ESTES PARK…
GLENDEVEY…LARAMIE RIVER VALLEY…NEDERLAND…RED FEATHER
LAKES…FIRE WEATHER ZONE 238…FORT COLLINS…HEREFORD…
LOVELAND…NUNN…WEST PAWNEE GRASSLANDS…FIRE WEATHER ZONE
239…ARVADA…BOULDER…GOLDEN…LAKEWOOD…LONGMONT…FIRE
WEATHER ZONE 241…CASTLE ROCK…ELBERT…FONDIS…KIOWA…
LARKSPUR.
* TIMING…THE WARNING WILL BE IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM MDT UNTIL 6 PM
MDT TODAY.
* WIND…SUSTAINED WEST WINDS OF 10 TO 20 MPH AND GUSTS TO AROUND
40 MPH ARE ANTICIPATED IN THE WARNING AREA.
* HUMIDITY…MINIMUM VALUES WILL RANGE FROM 5 TO 15 PERCENT.
* IMPACTS…PEOPLE LIVING IN AND NEAR THE FRONT RANGE FOOTHILLS
SHOULD AVOID ANY BURNING OUTDOORS. THE GUSTY AND ERRATIC WINDS
WILL HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO PRODUCE RAPID FIRE SPREAD IN OPEN
AREAS.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EITHER OCCURRING OR IMMINENT. PLEASE ADVISE THE APPROPRIATE
OFFICIALS AND FIRE CREWS IN THE FIELD OF THIS RED FLAG WARNING.
&&
$$
BAKER
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UPDATE: #BOULDERFIRE Boulder Community Hospital (mapleton) being evacuated
2October 29, 2010
Lets Get this thing stopped Boyz, before the winds pick up!!!
| 10/29 11:00 Evacuation updates |
| Boulder Community Hospital Mapleton and Maxwell facilities are being evacuated by 11:30 a.m. No patients should come to the either out patient facility. There are no evacuations scheduled at this time for Boulder Community Hospital on N. Broadway.
Boulder Humane Society @ 303-442-4030 and the Boulder County Fairgrounds @ 303-548-6530 have been notified and are preparing for displaced animals. |
| 10/29 10:45 Health advisory |
| October 29, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Chana Goussetis, 303.441.1457, cgoussetis@bouldercounty.org Boulder County Public Health issues health advisory in response to fire 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 http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/advisory.aspx. Updates on the wildfire are available at www.BoulderOEM.com To receive this advisory by email or text, follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/bouldercohealth. |
| 10/29 10:30 City neighborhoods under evacuation orders |
| Residences and businesses within the following City of Boulder area are being asked to evacuate at this time: from Canyon Boulevard on the south to High Street on the north from the fire location on the west to 7th Street on the east. Everbridge notifications are being made. Evacuees are asked to respond to the Coors Event Center at CU. |
| 10/29 10:30 A call center has been established for the #boulderfire Dome Fire. |
| A call center has been established for the Dome Fire. Affected residents can call 303-441-7730 for more information. Please do not call 9-1-1 with non-emergencies. |
| 10/29 10:14 Air support making drops |
| One plane is |
Related posts:
UPDATE: #BOULDERFIRE #DOMEFIRE #boulderfire #bouldercounty confuses citizens
0October 29, 2010
To make matters more confusing in the early stages of this fire in Boulder colorado , Boulder County has not
not notified news media of this fire, they are conducting secret messaging on their dumb oem website, as though the public even know what or where that is. On top of that they have confused social media namely twitter by naming this fire #Domefire instead of #boulderfire, so it is impossible to get information early on
10/29 10:00 Evacuees should report to the Coors Events Center at CU
| Evacuees from the affected areas are advised to report to the Coors Events Center at CU.
Evacuated areas-
Boulder Canyon (State Hwy 119) is closed at Settler’s Park in Boulder 181 phone numbers have been contacted through the reverse notification system to evacuate their homes |
Related posts:
UPDATE: FOURMILE CANYON FIRE Boulder Mental Health on scene
0September 14, 2010
CLARIFICATION: At this time, mental health counselors and victim advocates are available in the reopened areas of the burn area for returning residents who want counseling and support services. The Mental Health Center for Boulder and Broomfield Counties has established a resource table near each of the security check points leading into the opened areas.
The following locations, which have been identified as future counseling centers, remain closed:
• Fourmile Canyon, Salina Little Church of the Pines
• Sunshine Fire Station
• Gold Hill Community Center
Victim Advocate services are also available at the Assistance Center, Boulder County Sundquist Building, 3482 N. Broadway (Iris and Broadway), Boulder. The assistance center is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 303-441-3560 for more information.
Related posts:
UPDATE: results community meeting #boulderfire Four Mile Canyon Fire
0September 9, 2010
This evenings community meeting at the Coors Events Center open only to Evacuees and media filled 1/2 full legnth section of the center. About 8 county state and federal officials spoke about resources available to everyone .
Some residents will be allowed back in at least for a look see tomorrow at 10:00 am. Media was given a tour this afternoon. One problem that will face returning residents upon return besides the fact that the fire is still burning are downed power lines, downed trees, toxic chemicals from destroyed homes and leaking gas tanks which could explode.
The county promised many resources to help residents. But with loss and damage of 174 homes and the number still rising, one can only wonder how a financially strapped county will help. Some residents were advisably upset and angry with the proceedings especially several 30 something females who were furious. Grief councilors dotted the room and several we spoke with talked about how the entire community was very upset by the events of the past two days.
Ira tic behavior is to be expected they said. As evidenced on Twitter today , 20 or 30 posters out of the 1000′s following #boulderfire went after this news organization in total disbelief of the news. CNN, New York Times and the Daily Camera also reported to us many angry phone calls and emails and or tweets to their site over displeasure of their news coverage of the Four Mile Canyon Fire. Residents too were showing anger toward Federal officials at the Community meeting when about 1/4 of the audience got up and walked out after the federal Official told a story of almost loosing a home to Forrest fire.
We will be planning a live call in talk show on the fire later in the week. where we will take all callers on all sides of this issue.
9:15 p.m. – Sept. 8, 2010 – Some subdivisions to reopen at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 9
The following subdivisions will reopen to residents at 10 a.m. tomorrow morning:
- Boulder Heights
- Pine Brook Hills
- Carriage Hills
In addition, the areas east of Olde Stage Road and Lee Hill will also reopen to residents.PLEASE NOTE: Residents must stay on alert and be ready to re-evacuate immediately if conditions change. Residents of the area are asked to bring personal identification. Power will remain off in these areas.
The remaining evacuated areas remain highly volatile and therefore residents cannot return to their homes.
Updated figures:
- Over 6,300 acres in the burn area
- 20+ miles of fire perimeter
- 500 personnel working either on scene or at the Incident Command Center
- 70+ engines
- 100,000 gallons of fire retardant dropped by air today
- $2.1 million has been spent on the fire already
School information:
- Jamestown School will reopen tomorrow
- Gold Hill classes will be temporarily held at Foothills Elementary in Boulder.
The Boulder County Sherrif’s Office asks that people remain patient and follow current evacuation orders in order to help focus on the fire itself.
7:52 p.m. – Sept. 8, 2010 – One home has been removed from the list of structures destroyed in the Fourmile Canyon wildfire. The list now stands at 139 after the removal of 280 Mountain King Road. www.bouldercounty.org/newsroom/templates/bocodefault.aspx?articleid=2297&zoneid=1
5:58 p.m. – Sept. 8, 2010 – Sunshine Canyon Drive remains closed. There has been no change to any road closure information.
Related posts:
UPDATE: community meeting TONIGHT 7:30 Coors Events Center #boulderfire Four Mile Canyon Fire
0September 8, 2010
Sept. 8, 2010 – A community meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Coors Events Center on the University of Colorado campus in Boulder. The meeting is intended to inform residents about the initial response to the Fourmile Canyon wildfire, ongoing firefighting activates, and to provide resources through the Red Cross such as victim advocates and insurance and emergency shelter information.
