No Growth on Northwest Colorado Fires, But Much Work Remains
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Meeker, Colo. – Fire managers reported that minimal fire activity occurred on both the Citadel and East Tschuddi Fires on Tuesday. Crews worked to keep both fires within their respective planning areas. Air resources supporting the fire crews include one heavy, one medium, and two light helicopters. The weather forecast calls for slightly cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity today. There is a chance for thunderstorm activity - with the potential for some moisture and strong gusty winds in the fire area – this afternoon. As a reminder, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are currently in place for Moffat and Rio Blanco Counties, as well as BLM managed lands in those counties.
Citadel Fire, Moffat County: The Citadel Fire is currently 1,851 acres – a small decrease in acreage due to more accurate mapping. Crews completed line construction along the western portion of the Citadel Fire yesterday. Although there was minimal fire activity, there are still heavy fuel concentrations and heat in the northeast portion of the fire. Some of the resources will be repositioned on the Citadel Fire today to most effectively manage the fire while ensuring for firefighter safety.
Citadel Fire Statistics at a Glance:
- Time/Date Started: July 21, 2013, 12:00 p.m.
- Location: 40 miles northwest of Meeker in Moffat County, Colorado
- Cause: Lightning
- Fuels: Piñon –Juniper, Sage Brush
- Size: 1,851 acres (1,773 acres BLM, 78 acres State)
- Containment: 25%
East Tschuddi Fire, Rio Blanco County: There was no growth on the East Tschuddi Fire on Tuesday. One minor injury resulting from dehydration and heat-exposure was reported yesterday. On Wednesday, fire crews will continue to build fireline and mop-up as conditions allow. In response to the anticipated thunderstorm activity later this afternoon, Operations Section Chief Geoff Bell said the plan for Wednesday is to “move resources out of difficult terrain during the afternoon winds due to the potential for fire growth.”
East Tschuddi Fire Statistics at a Glance:
- Time/Date Started: July 20, 2013, 3:30 p.m.
- Location: 20 miles northwest of Meeker in Rio Blanco County, Colorado
- Cause: Lightning
- Fuels: Piñon –Juniper, Sage Brush, Oak Brush, Douglas Fir
- Size: 436 acres (399 acres BLM, 37 acres State)
- Containment: 35%
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.