New fire reported west of Maybell, CO
Colorado
Media Contact
BLM Office:
Meeker, Colo. – The Twelve fire was reported the afternoon of August 6th at approximately 3:00PM and is burning roughly 18 miles west of Maybell, CO between Elk Springs and the Deer Lodge Park Road.
As of 11:30 a.m. today, the fire is currently 4,287 acres in size, 2817 acre on private, 670 acres State and 800 acres BLM lands managed by the Little Snake Field Office. The fire is burning in pinyon, juniper, grass and brush. The fire is still active due to dry fuels, warm temperatures and gusty winds. The fire spread rapidly from the US Highway 40 corridor towards the Deer Lodge Park Road.
The local BLM and Moffat County initial attack engines are on scene. The Incident Commander has ordered 3 engines (2 type 6, 1 type 4), a bulldozer, 3-20 person hand crews as well as a type 1 helicopter to aid in the suppression effort. There are more than 150 firefighters from hand crews, engines, helicopters, and local BLM engines that are currently on the ground fighting this fire.
Similar warm dry weather is forecast for the fire area for with the National Weather Service issuing a Red Flag Warning today and Friday over the fire area for dry fuels, low relative humidity and gusty winds.
“Firefighter and public safety is our highest priority on this incident” says Incident Commander Trainee Bradley Husby.
The National Park Service, Dinosaur National Monument has issued a closure for the Deer Lodge Park Road and campground for firefighter and public safety during this incident. Due to the firefighter traffic as well as the reduced visibility, please use caution when traveling US Highway 40 between mile markers 38 through 44.
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The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.