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Boulder cancels fireworks show due to high fire risk
Jun 27th
Boulder city officials today announced that the annual Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast is canceled due to extremely dry conditions in and around Boulder. The fireworks show had been scheduled for Folsom Field on Wednesday, July 4.
“Public safety was our primary concern in deciding to cancel the fireworks show. Given the current fire in south Boulder, along with fires in neighboring cities and extremely dry conditions, the public safety risk to the Boulder community is significant,” said Boulder City Manager Jane S. Brautigam. “The fire marshal has been monitoring conditions around Folsom Field since early June, and our wildland fire crews have been on daily patrols to prevent wildfires. Given the dangers and Colorado’s statewide fire restrictions, it would be irresponsible to launch 4,000 fireworks over the city this year.”
Boulder Fire Marshal Dave Lowrey said firefighting crews need to remain focused on the current fire. Even if that situation improves, the lack of rain over the past month and the forecasts for continued hot, dry weather would make it very challenging for crews to quickly douse an escaped firework that landed in a dry field.
“We know it’s disappointing to celebrate the Fourth of July without fireworks, but it would be a real tragedy if we went forward and someone’s home caught fire as a result,” Lowrey said.
Lowrey cautioned that individuals should not set off fireworks on their own; it is illegal for individuals to possess or use fireworks within the City of Boulder.
“While it’s disappointing that conditions warrant canceling the fireworks display, public safety is the first priority,” saidLew Kingdom of Wright Kingdom Real Estate, primary sponsor of the event. “The Associates of Wright Kingdom continue to be proud sponsors of Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast, and we’re looking forward to bringing back an amazing show next year.”
Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast has been held at Folsom Field since 1941. The 2012 event was sponsored by the associates of Wright Kingdom Real Estate, the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU) and the City of Boulder. Media sponsors included the Daily Camera, KBCO and Boulder Channel 8.
Boulder Fire Outbreak from lightning: Evacuations Flagstaff
Jun 26th
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, 4:45 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.
CU student missing in the Flatirons
Jun 22nd
University of Colorado student missing; Boulder police ask for public assistance
Search efforts are underway west of Boulder for a 19-year-old University of Colorado student who has been missing since June 17, 2012.
Police found Nicholas Marc Valore’s vehicle parked at the NCAR parking lot last night, after they were notified that Valore might be missing. There are no signs of foul play.
A classmate of Valore’s contacted University of Colorado police late yesterday afternoon to report that he hadn’t seen Valore in classes this week. He was concerned because it was unlike Valore to miss class. CU police were able to locate Valore’s 2004 blue Audi TT Roadster at NCAR, a favorite hiking area of Valore’s. Because NCAR is in the city’s jurisdiction, CU police contacted Boulder police, who are conducting the investigation.
Police contacted Valore’s roommate and Valore’s family members, and no one has heard from him since Father’s Day.
Valore is an avid hiker, and usually wears cargo shorts, a T-shirt and a bright-colored hoodie while hiking. He also carries a black, JanSport backpack. Police have searched Valore’s residence, and it appears that he took some of his hiking gear with him. The hiking gear and clothing was not found in the car.
Search and rescue teams have been looking in the foothills west of NCAR for any sign of Valore. He has been known to hike in the “bouldering” area west of NCAR, and also likes an area known as Mallory Cave. The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office is coordinating the search effort with assistance from Rocky Mountain Rescue, Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks rangers and Front Range Rescue Dogs.
A photo of Nicholas Valore is attached. Police are asking anyone who may have seen Valore hiking near NCAR or who may have been in contact with him to call police Dispatch at 303.441.3333.
