| Contacts: | Lynn Barclay: Phone: 970-826-5096 |
Wildfire activity in Northwest Colorado slows (07-24-10)
Craig, CO – Two wildfires were reported this afternoon near Greystone in western Moffat County. One is already contained at one quarter acre on Bureau of Land Management public land. The second is estimated to be one tenth acre about one half mile west of Greystone. A helicopter and two engines are fighting this fire and no containment problems are expected.
The Three C Fire is about 100 acres located 20 miles west of Maybell just north of County Road 10 between Peck Mesa and Cross Mountain. The fire made its big push yesterday and firefighters have made good progress. They are anticipating 80% containment by this evening and full containment Sunday evening. Fire vehicles will be using County Road 10 until the fire is contained. The road is open and the public is advised to use caution when traveling through the area.
The Ryan Fire is located approximately three miles north of Meeker, CO near mile marker 47 off Highway 13 in Rio Blanco County. The combination of rugged terrain, cliff bands, and lack of adequate escape routes and safety zones for firefighters dictated the use of helicopter water drops yesterday afternoon. Today ground crews were able to obtain safe access into the fire and build fireline. It is 100% contained and one quarter acre in size.
The Whirlpool Fire is two acres on Dinosaur National Monument. It is one quarter mile from the Utah border on a ledge above Jones Hole. Fire managers are not actively suppressing this wildfire as they determine if it will be managed for resource benefit. It is in rough steep terrain and being monitored from the ground and by air.
No structures are immediately threatened on any of these incidents.
The BLM manages more land - over 245 million acres - than any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.
455 Emerson Street Craig, CO 81625