Storms ignite wildland fires in Northwest Colorado
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Craig, Colo. – Lightning is the confirmed cause of several of the nine fires reported to the Craig Interagency Dispatch Center this afternoon and evening. The incidents are located in Moffat and Rio Blanco counties following thunder storms that moved through the region. Federal and county resources are responding to the numerous fire reports.
The largest is the Four Mile Fire 20 miles north of Craig off Highway 13 on Bureau of Land Management Land. It’s estimated to be 400 acres. Residents in a structure about one half mile from the fire were escorted out of the area by the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office. The fire was pushed in multiple directions by erratic winds from passing storms. Ordered for this incident are two BLM engines, two Moffat County engines, two road graders and one water tender also from Moffat County. Two single engine air tankers (SEATs) dropped one load of retardant each to slow the fires advance. Fire managers are advising people that travel on Moffat County Road 3 is being restricted. No structures are damaged and no reported injuries.
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.