Posts tagged Forest Service
Boulder County fire danger high
Mar 30th
Lefthand Canyon OHV area closed
Boulder County, Colo. – With dry and windy weather conditions expected through the weekend, Sheriff Joe Pelle and the Boulder County Commissioners are reminding residents and visitors to take caution and be aware that fire danger is extremely high.
The fire ban imposed Tuesday remains in effect. Open burning is restricted and Sheriff Pelle has asked people to refrain from shooting or any other activities that could provide a source of possible ignition
Additionally, the U.S. Forest Service has temporarily closed the Lefthand Canyon Off-Highway Vehicle area northwest of Boulder to all entry and uses until further notice.
“Two of three recent fires on the Boulder Ranger District were located in the Lefthand Canyon OHV area,” Acting District Ranger Dave Park said in a USFS news release. “Quick response and early detection helped us keep the fires small. But heavy use combined with dry, lower elevation conditions and expected windy weather continues to be a concern. This area will remain closed until conditions improve.”
USFS officials have asked visitors to use extra caution with all activities. At this time of year fire danger can vary by location and increase rapidly on windy days. “The county appreciates the Forest Service’s proactive stance during this time of very high fire danger and resource issues,” Pelle said.
Fourmile Canyon fire findings ready
Oct 12th
Preliminary findings of Fourmile Fire report to be presented Friday at open house
Boulder County, Colo. – Just days after the Fourmile Fire began in September 2010, Sen. Mark Udall requested a study of the fire similar to the one he requested after the Hayman Fire in 2002.
The preliminary findings of that study will be presented to Boulder County residents and any interested members of the public at an open house this Friday afternoon in Boulder.
What: Public open house to discuss findings presented in the preliminary report of the Fourmile Canyon Fire Assessment.
When: Friday, Oct. 14, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. A presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the assessment researchers.
Where: Commissioners’ Hearing Room, Boulder County Courthouse, third floor, 1325 Pearl St., Boulder.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Researchers will be available to answer specific questions regarding the report. Representatives from Sen. Udall’s office, Boulder County, the U.S. Forest Service, Colorado State Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management will also be available.
Background
USFS agencies collaborated with the CSFS and assembled a team to conduct the study in December 2010. The study was led by scientists with the USFS’ Rocky Mountain Research Station.
Issues on which the study focuses include the:
- Existing on-the-ground conditions and how they influenced fire behavior
- Success or failure of specific aspects of firefighting activities
- Factors that influenced how and why structures burned
- Existing science related to restoration and protocols in place to learn about recovery
-BoulderCounty.org-
Boulder County Fire Ban: see details
Sep 2nd
Sheriff Pelle orders outdoor fire ban
Thursday, September 01, 2011
This includes all unincorporated areas west of U.S. 36 (North Foothills Highway), and west of Highway 93 (South Foothills Highway) as well as Rabbit Mountain Open Space (see map).
During the fire ban, open burning is permitted only under the following circumstances:
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Fire contained within liquid or gas fuel stoves
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Camp fires in U.S. Forest Service improved/maintained campgrounds that are currently open to the public*(see separate news release from the U.S. Forest Service)
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Charcoal grill fires on private property
The ban will remain in effect until the hazardous fire conditions subside. Anyone found in violation of the ban may be convicted of a Class 2 petty offense and may be subject to a $500 fine. Higher fines may be imposed for subsequent offenses.
Fire ban rationale
The Boulder County foothills have continued to dry out after months of moderate moisture. Currently, Boulder County has a high fire danger rating, as determined by the National Weather Service National Fire Danger rating System. This is due to a combination of dry fuels, hot and dry weather and an increase in regional wildland fire activity.
It is anticipated that with the continued late summer and early fall drying season and the expected beginning of the Chinook winds, Boulder County will continue to have a high fire danger rating.
Detective Commander Rick Brough
Boulder County Sheriff’s Office
303-441-3631