Favorable weather allowed for targeted rescue operations Sept. 17 out the areas of Storm Mountain, Glen Haven at The Retreat, Fish Creek, Idlewild, Waltonia and Pinewood Springs. 81 people were rescued by air and another 33 rescued by ground crews, for a total number of 114 rescued on Sept. 17. Rescue operations remain a top priority; however, we are now gradually transitioning into an assessment/recovery mode for long term planning.
LATEST INFORMATION
• There are 10 helicopters flying missions today to help with rescue operations.
• 8 FEMA search and rescue teams spent the night last night in evacuation areas to reduce the need for helicopter resources and to get an early start on rescue missions today
• Sheriff Justin Smith is personally flying into areas of Storm Mountain and Pinewood Springs to meet with residents and answer questions.
• Total number of rescued as of Wednesday morning, Sept. 17 is 1,155 people.
• The total number of unaccounted people stands at 197.
• A reminder to citizens: Do not drive through water or Pass road blocks – You are putting your life and those of emergency responders at risk if you do. Drivers are reminded IT IS ILLEGAL to circumvent roadblocks either by bypassing them, moving them or using alternate routes to get into the area. Roads are not safe even if they appear to be. It is dangerous to be on closed roads and bridges. Violators will be ticketed.
The bridges at Shields and Ackerman and Overland Trail and Lyons Park in Fort Collins area are extremely damaged underneath and citizens have been seen moving the road barricade to cross these bridges. We will be monitoring these areas and ticketing anyone caught moving or circumventing the barricades in place.
• The Larimer County Landfill is now accepting flood debris and waste from the recent flooding events.
• Number of people still needing rescue is at approximately 450, but this does not take into account the number of people who rescue crews attempted to evacuate and refused rescue.
• Rocky Mountain National Park is reporting that as of today, Sept. 18, Rocky Mountain National Park will begin to reopen incrementally. All roads, trails and facilities will open as they are able.
• The Larimer County Humane Society is compiling a list of residents who have needs for animal rescue in evacuated areas. Anyone with questions can call 970-226-3647, option #7
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