RBC | Fire officials were busy again today with fires that erupted from thunderstorms moving through northwest Colorado. Reports of 12 wildland fires were confirmed; nine in western Moffat County and three in Rio Blanco County. Engine crews contained three of the incidents.
Engines responding to the incidents are from Dinosaur National Monument, Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, Moffat County Sheriff’s Department and Craig Fire and Rescue.
Supporting ground crews are two heavy air tankers, two single engine air tankers, a helicopter and an air attack plane. The helicopter shuttled firefighters to remote locations made bucket drops and provided reconnaissance while the air tankers dropped retardant.
Three hot shot crews are assigned and two more crews are on order.
The largest of today’s incidents is the Logging Fire. Reported at 11:00 a.m. today, it is estimated to be 450 acres and burning actively. The fire is on the east side of Douglas Mountain in ponderosa pine and pinyon and juniper trees, about seven miles east of Dinosaur National Monument. A crew and three engines are assigned to fight this blaze.
The Reed Fire was reported to be 125 acres burning in grass, brush and pinyon and juniper trees. Ground forces consist of three engines and one hand crew. The single engine air tankers and the heavy air tanker made retardant drops on the north and east flanks to help border the fire.
The East Fork Fire is 450 acres and 70% contained. It started Monday afternoon and is about ten miles south of Elk Springs, Moffat County.
Thunderstorms are forecast for Wednesday with possible isolated showers.
No structures are directly threatened.
