152 personnel still on High Park Fire, extinguishing hot spots in Glacier View

From the Larimer County Sheriff:

As the Independence Day holiday approaches the public is reminded that the fire danger remains very high. Larimer County and U.S. Forest Service fire restrictions remain in effect and citizens are reminded to be cautious and vigilant while in recreational areas. Personal fireworks of any kind are prohibited.

Fire crews continue patrolling the fire perimeter, mopping up hot spots near the edge of the fire perimeter and conducting fireline rehabilitation. Precipitation assisted control efforts on the southwest portion of the fire yesterday.

Chipping operations will be very active along Buckhorn Road (CR44H) today. The public should be cautious of additional equipment due to these activities. Additional resources will be patrolling in the Glacier View area to concentrate efforts on extinguishing hot spots that threaten containment or residences, and extinguish small smoke reports. Hot spots may continue to exist within the perimeter of the fire during the containment phase and residents should expect to see smoke for days and weeks as the fire moves from containment to control.

Resources include: 152 personnel, 2 – Type 2 hand crews, 13 engines, 1 dozer, 3 water tenders, 2 – Type 3 light helicopters and available heavy air tankers.

The High Park Fire is 100 percent contained at 87,284 acres.

“Containment” means that a control line has been completed around the fire, which can reasonably be expected to stop the fire’s spread. “Control” means there is no more potential threat to escape containment. On a fire of this magnitude, typically control requires an act of nature such as prolonged rain or snowfall.

An interagency Burned Area Emergency Response team has conducted their first field visit to gather information and observations to determine how to reduce impacts of post-fire conditions. Wildfires can increase the potential for flooding, erosion, mudslides, sedimentation, and debris flow.

The public is reminded to drive cautiously and reduce speed when travelling on roads near the fire. Drivers should stay alert for firefighters and their vehicles, distracted drivers, and rocks on the roads. Citizens should stay out of burned areas since fire weakened trees can fall unexpectedly and silently. Burned areas are susceptible to flooding, debris, and mudslides when rainfall is received.

Residents are urged to read the material posted at www.larimer.org/highparkfire regarding returning home and clean-up efforts.

The county-provided dumpsters in the Buckhorn evacuation area will be removed this afternoon.

The telephone line to check on structures has been discontinued.