La Plata County Enacts Stage One Fire Restrictions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          

For additional information, please                                                                                            June 29, 2016

contact: Butch Knowlton at 970-382-6270                                                                              2:00 p.m.

                                                                                                                       

LA PLATA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ENACT

FIRE RESTRICTIONS

Durango, CO – Due to the hot, dry conditions and low humidity in La Plata County, and the serious threat of fire danger that these conditions impose, the La Plata County Board of County Commissioners enacted restrictions effective at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, July 1, 2016 on open burning south of Highway 160 in the unincorporated private land and State land areas of La Plata County. The fire restrictions were enacted by the La Plata County Board of County Commissioners upon the recommendation of Sheriff Sean Smith and the Chiefs of the local fire districts.

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe has enacted similar Stage I fire restrictions to take effect on July 1, 2016 for Tribal lands. The San Juan Public Lands Center, which manages US Forest Service, BLM and Bureau of Reclamation lands in La Plata County, will continue to monitor conditions and may enact similar Stage I fire restrictions.

“Local agencies participate in a scientific process that looks at vegetation types and moisture content from lower elevations to higher elevations,” explained Butch Knowlton, La Plata County Emergency Management Director. “Using this scientific evaluation process, each elevation has different wildland fire potential and different restriction needs.  Currently, the high elevations do not have the fire potential that the lower elevations do, which are generally located south of US Highway 160 in La Plata County.  This is why we are recommending Stage I Fire Restrictions south of Highway 160.”

The fire restrictions prohibit open burning, burn barrels and agricultural burning on private property and State lands south of Highway 160 in the unincorporated private land areas of La Plata County.  The use of a campfire, coal or wood-burning stove, any type of charcoal grill or open fire in any undeveloped area is prohibited.  The fire restrictions do not include charcoal fires in suitable containers or gas grills for barbeques at private residences or fires within designated campground pits with protective grates; however, residents and visitors alike must not to leave these fires unattended and must carefully and fully extinguish them after use. 

The open flame prohibitions also include the following:

• Smoking is limited to vehicles, buildings, developed recreational areas and 3-foot-wide areas cleared of vegetation;
• Fireworks are prohibited;
• Use of explosive material is prohibited;
• Use of any internal combustion engine is prohibited unless it is equipped with an approved and functioning spark-arresting device;
• Welding and cutting operations must be conducted with a 20-foot radius safe zone free of vegetation with a 2.5 gallon pressurized fire extinguisher or 5 lb. ABC extinguisher or pressurized water supply and proper hand tools on site with a fire watch individual standing by continuously; and
• Flaring for production wells may be allowed with approval from the designated fire chief.

A violation of the fire restrictions shall constitute a class 2 petty offense punishable by a fine of up to $300 for each violation. 

If conditions warrant, the restrictions do provide flexibility to the local fire chiefs to ease restrictions or allow certain activities within their respective jurisdictions, if they deem such actions to be safe, appropriate and prudent in their professional opinion. There are four fire districts within La Plata County serving different geographic areas of the County. To obtain specific information, please contact a fire department listed below based on the location of the property and the areas they serve:

•       Durango Fire Protection District (for City of Durango and properties in the Animas valley corridor from the north county line to New Mexico), visit www.durangofirerescue.org/prevention/burn-permits.htm to fill out the online permit, or call 970-382-6023.

•       Upper Pine Fire Protection District (for the Town of Bayfield and properties east of Bayfield north to Vallecito), visit http://upperpinefpd.org/burn-permits to fill out the online permit, or call 970-884-9508;

•       Fort Lewis Mesa Fire Protection District (for the Town of Ignacio and properties in west La Plata County surrounding Hesperus to the Colorado/New Mexico state line on Highway 140), please call 970-238-0115; or

•       Los Pinos Fire Protection District (for properties in the southeast corner of La Plata County and surrounding Ignacio), please call 970-563-9501.

Please contact the San Juan Public Lands Center at 970-247-4874 for information on fire restrictions on the San Juan National Forest, Bureau of Land Management or Bureau of Reclamation lands within La Plata County. Please contact Southern Ute BIA Forestry at 970-563-4571 for restrictions in Southern Ute Tribal Lands.

The La Plata County fire management agencies will continue to monitor the situation and if the conditions continue to deteriorate, a more restrictive fire ban may be developed.  The fire restrictions will remain in effect until such time as the threat of fire danger in La Plata County has reduced significantly, as determined by the Sheriff, local fire chiefs and County Director of Emergency Management.

At the time of this release all public fireworks displays for Fourth of July celebrations will continue under the supervision of the respective fire districts, however final decisions will be made as conditions change.

(Note: A copy of the Board’s resolution is attached.)

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Be Careful with Fire this July 4th Weekend

SAN JUAN NATIONAL FOREST

15 Burnett Court

Durango, Colorado 81301

970 247-4874

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 28, 2016

Be Careful with Fire this July 4^th Weekend

Durango, Colo. – Currently, there are no fire restrictions in place on the San Juan National Forest lands; however, Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect on private lands in Montezuma and Archuleta counties. Fire danger is rated as high in many areas, especially in the lower elevations and areas south of U.S. Highway 160. The possibility of imposing Stage 1 restrictions on National Forest lands exists if weather and fuel conditions warrant. The public is encouraged to be careful with fire over the July 4^th weekend and the rest of the summer by following these safety tips:

·         Clear the area around campfires of all burnable material. 

·         Keep a bucket of water, shovel, and other implements on hand in case wind or other conditions cause your campfire to get out of control.

·         Never leave a campfire unattended. Make sure campfires are completely out before leaving. Stir water and dirt into the coals until the coals are cool to the touch and there is no smoke.

·         Extinguish smoking materials only in cleared areas free of vegetation or debris.  Never toss cigarette butts out the car window.

·         Don’t park cars or recreational vehicles over dry vegetation. Exhaust systems can reach temperatures of more than 1,000 degrees; hot enough to start a wildfire during the summer.

·         Use an approved spark arrester on off-road vehicles and chainsaws. Check and replace spark arresters periodically.

·         Fireworks, including sparklers, are always illegal on National Forest lands. The penalty for violators is a maximum of six months in prison and/or $5,000 fine. Anyone responsible for starting a wildfire may also be held responsible for the cost of putting it out and for damage caused.

For up-to-date information on fire conditions, contact the San Juan National Forest Office nearest you, visit our Website at: www.fs.usda.gov/sanjuan, or follow us on TWITTER @SanJuanNF

To report a fire on federal lands, contact the Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch Center, 970-385-1324.

Red flag warning extends through western Colorado - No-burn order issued in Durango

Red flag warning extends through western Colorado

No-burn order issued in Durango

Herald Staff Report

Warm temperatures and a change of thunderstorms brought another red flag warning Tuesday. Also, the Durango Fire Protection District has issued a no-burn order for Tuesday, meaning all burn permits are suspended.

The red flag warning, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., stretches the length of western of Colorado and includes Cortez, Mancos and areas just south of Durango.

A red flag warning means that conditions are ripe for extreme fire behavior, including rapid growth if a fire starts.

The forecast for the red flag areas calls for scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms, with winds gusting up to 35 mph. Hail is expected in some areas as well. Temperatures will be in the middle to high 80s.

In Durango, the high for Tuesday is expected to be about 87 degrees – with a chance of thunderstorms each day this week through the weekend.

Lightning: What You Need to Know

SAN JUAN NATIONAL FOREST

15 Burnett Court

Durango, Colorado 81301

970 247-4874

Lightning: What You Need to Know

NO PLACE outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area!!

·         If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.

·         When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter: a substantial building with electricity or plumbing or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up.

·         Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.

Indoor Lightning Safety

·         Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.

·         Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets.

·         Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.

·         Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls.

Last-Resort Outdoor Risk-Reduction Tips:

·         If you are caught outside with no safe shelter anywhere nearby the following actions may reduce your risk:

·         Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks

·         Never lie flat on the ground

·         Never shelter under an isolated tree

·         Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter

·         Immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water

·         Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.)

Myth: Lightning never strikes the same place twice.
Fact: Lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly, especially if it’s a tall, pointy, isolated object. The Empire State Building is hit nearly 100 times a year.

Myth: If outside in a thunderstorm, you should seek shelter under a tree to stay dry.
Fact: Being underneath a tree is the second leading cause of lightning casualties. Better to get wet than fried!

Myth: If it’s not raining or there aren’t clouds overhead, you’re safe from lightning.
Fact: Lightning often strikes more than three miles from the center of the thunderstorm, far outside the rain or thunderstorm cloud. “Bolts from the blue” can strike 10-15 miles from the thunderstorm.

Myth: Rubber tires on a car protect you from lightning by insulating you from the ground.
Fact: Most cars are safe from lightning, but it is the metal roof and metal sides that protect you, NOT the rubber tires. Remember, convertibles, motorcycles, bicycles, open-shelled outdoor recreational vehicles and cars with fiberglass shells offer no protection from lightning. When lightning strikes a vehicle, it goes through the metal frame into the ground. Don't lean on doors during a thunderstorm.

Myth: If you're caught outside during a thunderstorm, you should crouch down to reduce your risk of being struck.
Fact: Crouching doesn't make you any safer outdoors. Run to a substantial building or hard topped vehicle. If you are too far to run to one of these options, you have no good alternative. You are NOT safe anywhere outdoors.

For tips that may slightly reduce your risk: http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/safety.shtml

USFS PREPOSITIONING FIREFIGHTING RESOURCES IN ADVANCE OF FIRE WEATHER WATCH

DURANGO INTERAGENCY FIRE DISPATCH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 20, 2016

USFS PREPOSITIONING FIREFIGHTING RESOURCES IN ADVANCE OF FIRE WEATHER WATCH 

DURANGO, Colo. — The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for the afternoon and evening of Tuesday, June 21^st afternoon for northeast LaPlata County, and all of San Juan, Hinsdale, and Archuleta counties. Dry thunderstorms, gusty winds, and low humidities are expected.

In anticipation, the U.S. Forest Service is prepositioning additional firefighting resources in southwestern Colorado.  Three single engine air tankers and an air attack plane have been ordered for the Durango Air Tanker Base, and a helitack crew for the Archuleta County Airport. Seven additional fire engines, three fire prevention patrols, and miscellaneous supervisory overhead resources will also be prepositioned at the San Juan National Forest’s three ranger districts in Bayfield, Dolores and Pagosa Springs.

Other federal agency resources include a Bureau of Land Management helitack crew stationed out of the Montezuma County Airport, and the Mesa Verde National Park Type 3 helicopter and helitack crew at the Old Fort Lewis Campus south of Hesperus.

Follow wildfire updates posted by the San Juan National Forest on TWITTER @SanJuanNF

CR 217 Pictures

CR 217 Fire

For IMMEDIATE Release, July 1, 2015

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Topic: 217 Fire

Durango, CO – Durango Fire Protection District

Media Contact: Karola J. Hanks

Title: 217 Fire Pio

Phone: 970-769-7687

Email: hankskj@durangofirerescue.org

Incident Commander: Battalion Chief Michael Krupa

Approval for release: June17, 2016, 1630 hours

Durango, Colorado

Multiple agencies were dispatched to an escaped controlled burn at 2:21p.m. MST with structures threatened.  A unified command has been activated.  The fire is estimated at thirty acres as of 1630 hours and is burning on private land.  County Road 217 in La Plata County is currently closed to all traffic except emergency apparatus.  Crews are currently on scene and structure protection is in place.  Air attack consisting of 1 heavy air tanker, 1 single engine air tanker, 1 helicopter and lead plane is operating on the scene.

The four homes that were identified as threatened have structure protection in place and are evacuated.  No other evacuations are in place.  An update will be provided later this evening.

           

US 550 Bondad Hill Open After Rockslide

LA PLATA COUNTY – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) restored all three lanes of traffic on US 550 Bondad Hill located about 5 miles south of Durango earlier today, Thursday, June 9.  Crews blasted large rocks and boulders which had fallen from the hillside. The blasting allowed maintenance workers to more easily remove the rock and debris from the roadway. All three lanes of traffic were restored at 4:00 p.m.

At approximately 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8, CDOT crews responded to a call about rocks on the road. CDOT crews determined a rock slide had taken place at US 550 MM 6 known as Bondad Hill. Crews were able to remove the smaller debris and maintain two-lane traffic (north and south bound) at all times. The north bound climbing lane, closest to the cliff, was closed all night.

Despite an estimated 75 to 100 tons of rock falling from the hillside, there was no significant damage to the highway.

CDOT maintenance crews will continue to closely monitor the area. Region 5 engineers have reached out to staff from the Geotechnical Group at CDOT Headquarters so that a long range mitigation plan can be developed. The Geotechnical Group comprises of civil engineering staff that specialize in the characterization and behavior of earth material.   

Additionally, CDOT crews will return to the area next week to continue to clear and remove the rock which has been pushed off the road, but needs to be completely removed from the shoulder and side of the road. Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times. However, travelers may expect short delays when heavy equipment is moved across the road.  

ROAD INFORMATION: To sign up for CDOT updates on projects in your chosen area, visit CDOT’s website at www.codot.gov and choose the envelope icon at the bottom of the page. Or, to see CDOT’s lane closure reports for projects statewide, visit www.codot.gov/travel/scheduled-lane-closures.html. Updates are also available via Twitter @coloradodot and be sure to “Like” us on Facebook.

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News Release - Captain Kuss Memorial Events

Arrangements have been made for memorial events in Durango to honor our hometown hero and Blue Angel Captain Jeff Kuss.  There are two opportunities for our community to participate and show support to his family and our military.

At 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 11, the private motorcade of family and friends will start the procession from 32^nd Street south down Main Avenue to Greenmount Cemetery.  The public has been asked by the family to line the motorcade route along Main Avenue from 32^nd Street to College Drive to show support to the family and honor his military service.  Participants are encouraged to wave flags and blue and yellow ribbons or stand at attention.

The family has asked that the motorcade only be comprised of friends and family who have been invited to the private service at Greenmount Cemetery.  The Cemetery will be closed to the public during the service (noon – 1:00 p.m.), but the public may still hear the 21-gun salute from town and see Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 fly over Durango in the Missing Man formation.

Friends and family are invited to attend a reception from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Fort Lewis College Student Union Building, 1000 Rim Drive, Durango to begin the healing process as a community.

Road Closures:

·         The westbound lane on County Road 251 (between 32^nd Street and County Road 250) will be closed from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 11 for staging for the private motorcade. The eastbound lane to (County Road 250) will remain open. 

·         Rolling road closures will begin at 11:00 a.m. as the motorcade proceeds from 32^nd Street to Main Avenue south to College Drive.  Side streets and southbound traffic will be stopped to allow the motorcade to travel south along Main Avenue.  From College Drive, the motorcade will turn right and travel north on Camino del Rio to 9^th Street, where they will go left and proceed to Greenmount Cemetery.

·         Northbound traffic will be stopped at the intersection of Camino del Rio (Highway 550) and College Drive and again at the intersection of Camino del Rio and Main Avenue to allow the motorcade to pass.

·         Southbound traffic will be stopped at 9^th Street and Camino del Rio (Highway 550) to allow the motorcade to pass.

The City of Durango Police Department, La Plata County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado State Patrol, Fort Lewis College Police Department and Farmington (New Mexico) Police Department will assist with the rolling road closures and escorting the motorcade.