10 replies to this topic

[Aaron]

Note: While this fire is not actually burning in Rocky Mountain National Park, smoke from the fire is affecting parts of the RMNP area.

Fire crews are dealing with many hazards on the Four Mile Canyon Fire. In addition to the continued fire activity in steep terrain, crews have located several mine shafts in the area. These shafts create an additional safety obstacle they may not typically encounter on a fire assignment. They have also identified areas where propane tanks are leaking. Firefighter and public safety is the first priority, and crews are working to mitigate the hazards while working diligently to contain the fire.



Fire personnel on the line have reported the fire is very active within the perimeter, and it is posing a threat to some structures. Evacuations are still in place. Fire managers understand people's need to get back to their homes as soon as it is safe, and appreciate patience until then. Evacuees will be allowed back only when it is safe. The Sheriff's Office continues to lead efforts to assess damage to homes.



Today aerial resources are focusing on areas of heat including those that were identified by an infrared flight that occurred in the night. Firefighters on the ground continue to make structure protection their priority and are building containment lines where possible.



People are asked to stay well back from areas where helicopters are dipping water.



View the full article

[Rhonda]

Heartbreaking.

[Jo]

So sad. Many homes lost and it looks like there are now people missing.

It did rain quite a bit yesterday evening here in Estes. I wonder if it rained there and if it made a difference. Hopefully so.

[Gojhawks]

It sounds like it may actually get worse. They are predicting winds as high as 50 m.p.h. this evening and tonight. They have put some residents in Boulder proper on alert that they may to evacuate: http://www.denverpos...ews/ci_16031957
I am thankful for the moment it is staying south and east of Estes Park and RMNP, but it just makes me so sad to see such a thing.

[hahn23]

Gojhawks, on 09 September 2010 - 04:28 PM, said:

It sounds like it may actually get worse. They are predicting winds as high as 50 m.p.h. this evening and tonight. They have put some residents in Boulder proper on alert that they may to evacuate: http://www.denverpos...ews/ci_16031957
I am thankful for the moment it is staying south and east of Estes Park and RMNP, but it just makes me so sad to see such a thing.

Yes, tonight looks very dangerous for areas East of the FourMile Canyon (NorthWest of Boulder) fire because of the high wind gusts. It's not so much of a threat to EP, as long as no new fires are started West of us. In the past hour, our skies have completely dried out (no clouds), so the humidity has dropped to single digits as the big winds come up from the approaching cold front enters the area.

[Aaron]

Boulder resident's fire pit being investigated as possible source of Fourmile fire - http://www.denverpos...3943?source=rss

--Aaron

[Aaron]

Investigators confirm Fourmile fire started from fire pit - http://www.denverpos...ews/ci_16064671

--Aaron

[GLENNinPA]

Oh Man. I would hate to be that guy.

[Aaron]

GLENNinPA, on 13 September 2010 - 03:37 PM, said:

Oh Man. I would hate to be that guy.

Me too. Unless he was negligent in some way. The article said he watered it down and stirred it. If they find he did something careless then he's toast. Recently I came across an article that talked about the law(s) dealing with this. I'll see if I can find it again.

--Aaron

[Aaron]

Okay, I found it - http://www.denverpos...ews/ci_16053943

"If it is determined that an untended fire pit sparked the blaze, it is possible that criminal charges could be filed. According to Colorado law, a fourth-degree arson charge can be filed against a person "who knowingly or recklessly starts or maintains a fire or causes an explosion, on his own property or that of another, and by so doing places another in danger of death or serious bodily injury or places any building or occupied structure of another in danger of damage."

The charge is a felony "if a person is thus endangered," and a misdemeanor if only property is threatened."

--Aaron

[Aaron]

No charges filed in Fourmile fire - http://www.denverpos...9417?source=rss

A volunteer firefighter was the person who's firepit started the fire. Would there have been a charge if it were not a firefighter?

--Aaron