The Rocky Mountain Incident Management Blue Team took command of the Fawn Creek, Stewart and Wolf fires early Wednesday. Thursday afternoon they issued an update on the firefighting efforts:
| “Aerial resources supporting the Fawn Creek, Stewart, and Wolf fires assisted with the initial attack of a new fire west of Meeker yesterday. Fire managers and crews are prepared to assist with additional new fire starts that may come from passing thunderstorms in the area today. To slow the progression of the Wolf Fire, a heavy air tanker was used to drop retardant on the north side of the fire yesterday afternoon. Today, crews will continue to construct hand line around the Wolf Fire while also strengthening those constructed yesterday. Crews will mop up spots holding heat near hand lines. On the Stewart Fire, crews will continue to maintain and improve hand lines around the fire. Some resources may be shifted to the other two fires when the Stewart Fire begins being patrolled by engines. The Fawn Creek Fire was active yesterday afternoon as firefighters worked with aircraft to drop water to contain a spot fire on the northwest corner of the fire. Helicopters were also used to take heat out of the southeast corner of the Fawn Creek Fire; this will allow crews to continue to construct and improve hand line in that area of the fire today. Air operations may be limited at times throughout the day today due to thunderstorms moving through the fire area. Outflow winds associated with passing thunderstorms are anticipated over the fires and may gust to 40mph. Lightning will likely accompany the thunderstorms today. Temperatures are expected to be similar to the past several days with highs in the upper 80s with relative humidities in the low teens. The fires are anticipated to be active throughout the day as thunderstorms move into the area. The Bureau of Land Management’s White River Field Office and Rio Blanco County have both implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions. More information on these restrictions is available on any of the Incident Information sites below. The public is asked to stay clear of the area to allow firefighters to safely manage the fire.” |
