Went to Cortez, walked out a store, looked towards the house, fire on Ute Mountain. Updated

[bluedigger]

Last edited Thu Aug 6, 2015, 10:36 PM - Edit history (1)

I took this from the backyard/hayfield when I got home, shortly after. Going to be a long night. Not much of a breeze.

A rapidly moving wildfire is burning out of control on the west side of Sleeping Ute Mountain. Fire crews from BLM, Forest Service, and Mesa Verde National Park have joined BIA crews to help fight the fire, officials report.

Two Single Engine Air Craft (SEAT) have been flown in and are dropping fire retardant on the blaze.

The Cortez Fire Department is the ground crew for the SEAT planes at the Cortez Airport.

“We’ve filled up two planes three times,” said Cortez Fire Chief Jeff Vandevoorde. “Each plane holds 700 gallons of retardant.”

The planes will continue to make drops until nightfall, and then will be grounded until morning.

Officials estimate the fire is 300 to 400 acres, burning in rugged, heavily forested terrain. It is zero percent contained, and multiple fire crews are arriving on scene.




http://www.cortezjournal.com/article/20150806/NEWS01/150809860/Ute-Mountain-fire-out-of-control;-crews-called-in-

It looks like they snuffed it out before it got away from them!

Thanks to the BIA, BLM, FS, Mesa Verde NP, and local firefighters. Your tax dollars at work.

[niyad]

1. how awful. praying for lots of rain.

[bluedigger]

15. 60% chance this afternoon. Of course thunderstorms start fires...

We'll get some this weekend. The monsoons are returning.

[immoderate]

2. Oh shit!

Good luck!

--imm

[Cleita]

3. That looks still far away from you.

Hopefully, the firefighters will have it out before any wind or other unwelcome event happens.

[bluedigger]

6. 10-12 miles. Maybe.

As long as the wind doesn't pick up they should snuff it out. Lots of local crews.

[Cleita]

7. I usually don't worry unless I can see the flames. eom

[bluedigger]

13. Well, what with the hay barn 200' from the house...

It's best to be cognizant of the situation, as my high school track coach said as the javelin throwers practiced.

[Cleita]

14. I understand. eom

[Delmette]

4. Good vibs

To the fire crews and everyone in the way!

[bluedigger]

12. They are tough.

Bringing in reinforcements.

“The biggest challenge is access, we’re hiking 2 to 3 miles through very rugged topography to get to where we can create a fire line,” said a federal fire fighter on the scene.

A rough road is in the vicinity, but it needs improvement to get heavy equipment in, the fire official said.

Three more fire crews totalling 80 to 90 firefighters have been ordered, along with helicopters to help fight the blaze, which is so far zero percent contained. The federal fire crews are coming in from Grand Junction, Fort Collins, and Pueblo.

http://www.cortezjournal.com/article/20150807/NEWS01/150809856/Ute-Mountain-fire-cools-but-could-flare-up-

[Art_from_Ark]

5. That part of the country is such a fantastic place

Sleeping Ute Mountain, Mesa Verde, Four Corners, Shiprock... I was totally under its spell when I visited the area back in 1985 and again in 1991.

Here's hoping that the fire is contained soon.

[bluedigger]

11. You will have to come back again soon!

A lot of public improvements since 1991.

[malaise]

8. Please stay safe and ensure that all your important documents, etc

are in waterproof containers ready to move if you must.

[bluedigger]

10. My most important item is water tolerant.

Thanks!

[malaise]

16. Lovely dog

[bluedigger]

9. Ute Mountain fire cools, but could flare up

The wildfire on Sleeping Ute Mountain died down over night thanks to cooler temperatures, light rain and high humidity, but it’s still a big concern for fire officials.

The fire began yesterday afternoon on the western flanks of Hermano Peak and grew quickly, burning toward the ridge in heavy pinon-juniper forest. The fire generated a giant plume of smoke seen from 100 miles away.

Fire officials reported this morning that it had burned 400 acres, and a crew of 25 firefighters are on scene. The fire is currently smoldering between two ridgelines, but has the potential to flare back up. Two single-engine air tankers dropped load after load of fire retardant into the fire’s path yesterday and will continue today.

“The biggest challenge is access, we’re hiking 2 to 3 miles through very rugged topography to get to where we can create a fire line,” said a federal fire fighter on the scene.

http://www.cortezjournal.com/article/20150807/NEWS01/150809856/Ute-Mountain-fire-cools-but-could-flare-up-

Took this around 7AM. They were out in the field baling and loading hay most of the night. Got 'er done!