As summer gives way to fall in Colorado, cooler temperatures and increased moisture in the air could help firefighters battling wildfires around the state.
And while the promise of fall weather is welcomed, isolated afternoon and evening thunderstorms are in the southwest and mountain forecasts on Sunday and Monday, bringing the prospect of lightning, a potential spark for wildfire, to widespread, prone areas.
The new #COdrought map released on Tuesday shows the Grand Valley region went from extreme drought to exceptional drought. The area experiencing extreme drought in Colorado is now up to 12.6%, which is up about 3% higher than the September 11th map…. https://t.co/bI8jB32qWK
— CO Wildfire Info (@COWildfireInfo) September 21, 2018
The weather, however, should become dry and a bit warmer Tuesday through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
Meanwhile, firefighters are planning “burnout operations,” intentionally igniting fires to eliminate potential fuels. Some areas closed by wildfires are now experiencing “minimal activity” and being reopened for hunters, fire officials said.
Heavy smoke is likely to be seen on warmer days, as the weather continues to transition, but firefighters are looking forward to multiple days of rain or snow, which could be a season-ending weather event for some long-burning fires.
The HRRR Smoke model indicates smoke from wildfires moving over north central and northeast Colorado tonight into Saturday. #cowx pic.twitter.com/Uvjp0hmb8a
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) September 22, 2018
SILVER CREEK FIRE
Six helicopters remain assigned to the fire and continue to work hot spots with bucket drops, fire officials said Friday.
If weather and fuel conditions align, firefighters may conduct burnout operations, using drip torches, along the northern and eastern sides of the fire. This strategy eliminates fuels including unburned trees, brush and grass, creating a barrier in front of advancing fire. It’s also used to secure firelines and increase perimeter containment, fire officials said.
The structure defense group has completed property assessments for communities and structures near Old Park, Gore Lakes, Lake Agnes, Rabbit Ears Village, Latigo Ranch and Yost Ranch, fire command said on Friday.
Firefighters expect a high pressure weather system to bring another round of cool conditions, with light upslope westerly winds, which may cause fire whirls and some dust devils.
The fire, about 16 miles northwest of Kremmling, which was sparked by lightning July 13, is about 13,300 acres and is 35 percent contained.
CACHE CREEK FIRE
The Rifle Ranger District of the White River National Forest has lifted an emergency area closure of popular hunting areas and trails as much of the burned area has cooled, fire officials said.
There’s still minimal fire activity in the Cache Creek and Battlement Creek drainages, however, and anyone using the areas should use caution.
“We are glad to be able to lift this closure ahead of the height of hunting season,” said Sarah Hankens, district ranger. “We ask that hunters and recreationists avoid the areas where residual smoldering may be occurring. Please be aware that hazards such as tree snags and ash pits exist in burned areas.”
The Cache Creek Fire is 55 percent contained, it continues to smolder in interior fuels. The fire will remain at current containment due to steep, inaccessible terrain on the southern portion of the fire, officials said. The fire continues to be monitored by local fire managers.
Burned forests are especially hazardous in windy conditions, officials warn.
The fire started July 28 and was caused by lightning. It has burned approximately 2,700 acres, about 8 miles southwest of Rifle. An estimated containment date is in mid-October.
BULL DRAW FIRE
Firefighters resumed burnout operations in the Big Atkinson drainage area to eliminate available fuels as a control measure, officials said. These operations yielded good ignition success in brushy areas, but less success in aspen stands because of high relative humidity.
On Thursday, fire activity ramped up late in the day, prompting helicopter water bucket drops in the Long Canyon area near National Forest System Road 407 where the fire is burning in heavy downed trees and ponderosa pine, fire officials said.
Fire activity also increased in the UC drainage, where flames advanced within roughly 300 feet of Divide Road, near the incident command post.
The fire, about 12 miles northwest of Nucla, was sparked by lightning July 29. It has burned about 33,800 acres and is 70 percent contained. An estimated containment date is Nov. 1.
https://www.denverpost.com/2018/09/22/colorado-wildfire-update-as-fall-weather-makes-headway-into-state-it-could-bring-fire-relief/Bagikan Berita Ini
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