Blackwall Fire 80% contained
Organization
Media Contact:
Meeker, Colo. – Firefighters secured the west flank of the fire and burned out along the north flank to remove unburned vegetation along that line to reinforce it. Winds from passing thunderstorms yesterday evening pushed the Blackwall Fire to one acre and caused some spotting outside the fire perimeter. The fire area received about 400 lightning strikes from those storms and the crew was forced to seek shelter until the lightning stopped. The crew has the fire 80% contained and will continue to work the west and north flanks of the fire while monitoring the east and south flanks.
The thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon and evening produced seven wildland fires. Of the seven, six are in Rio Blanco County west of Meeker and one in Dinosaur National Monument. The Outlaw Fire was contained at one tenth acre by Dinosaur National Monument fire crew. The remaining six incidents are one tenth acre and have engine crews responding from Bureau of Land Management and Meeker Volunteer Fire and Rescue. A helicopter is assigned and supporting ground crews with water drops when needed.
Fire managers anticipate more hold-overs as temperatures rise and dry conditions move into the area. A hold-over occurs when lightning strikes a location but conditions don’t support the fire spreading. The heat from the strike can remain for a few days before spreading and becoming visible.
No structures are threatened on any of the incidents and fire personnel do not anticipate any problems containing the wildland fires.
Fire danger is moderate in Rio Blanco, Moffat, Routt, Jackson and Grand counties. Meteorologists are forecasting a drying trend from now through next week. A warm, dry front is expected with temperatures up to 10 degrees above normal. When accompanied by wind it has the potential to quickly pull moisture from the ground, drying out vegetation and making it more receptive to fire.
The BLM manages more than 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.