| Contacts: | Denise Adamic, BLM (719) 239-0347 |
Spike Buck Fire Update (06-20-12)
CAÑON CITY, Colo. (8:45 p.m.) – The Spike Buck Fire west of Cañon City has burned 5 acres of BLM land. The BLM and the Colorado Department of Transportation estimate that U.S. Highway 50 will remain closed in both directions from Texas Creek to Parkdale through 1 p.m. Thursday. The Arkansas River is closed to rafting from Texas Creek to Parkdale through tomorrow afternoon.
Drivers can use highways 9 and 69 as alternate routes.
“We understand that closing Highway 50 and the river is a major inconvenience,” said Keith Berger, Field Manager. “But we are using helicopters to help fight this fire. The aircraft are dipping water out of the river and flying low over the highway to put out the flames. ”
The Spike Buck fire is burning directly adjacent to the highway in light grasses, pinyon, juniper, and mountain mahogany. Dangers include steep terrain and rolling debris.
Resources on scene include Deer Mountain Fire Department, Tallahassee Volunteer Fire Department, Fremont County Sherriff, 1 BLM engine, 1 U.S. Forest Service Engine, 1 Bureau of Indian Affairs 20-person crew, and multiple aircraft.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. In Fiscal Year 2012, activities on public lands generated $4.6 billion in revenue, much of which was shared with the States where the activities occurred. In addition, public lands contributed more than $112 billion to the U.S. economy and helped support more than 500,000 jobs.
3028 E. Main Street Canon City, CO 81212