While this campfire may look like it’s out it still has enough heat to instantly boil water. Crews spent most of today putting out campfires that were abandoned by campers. Please put your campfires out cold before you leave them.
#DrownStirFeel
Good news coming from the fire lines of the
#WestMonumentCreekFire
on the
@AF_Academy
this morning. This video was shot by our hand crew working on the fire and shows the current weather conditions over the fire area. A very dramatic change from how they started the day.
Come see
@smokey_bear
and
@Sparky_Fire_Dog
at Halloween Safe Treats in Old Colorado City. Lots of candy and activities for the trick-or-treaters from 2-4pm this afternoon!
Firefighters are hiking off the
#StullMtnfire_CO
to there vehicles where they will bed down for the night and staff the fire early morning. Tomorrow they will continue to build and improve fireline working towards containment.
#SanCarlosRD
#RampartFire_CO
reaches 50% containment. Crews worked purposefully, securing the fire line, and mopping up 100 ft interior from the line. Light smoke is still visible off the 300Rd due to heavy fuels burning well interior from the perimeter.
High water levels and no river crossing required the Tatanka Hotshots be transported across the South Platte River to the
#PlatteRiverFire
by the
#WestMetroFire
Swift Water Rescue Team today.
Colorado's Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) has mapped the
#OakRidgeFire_CO
which has increased the size to 275 acres. This is a video taken this afternoon from the MMA and this shows the remoteness of the fire and the steep areas of terrain.
Fire suppression resources from USFS, N. Fork FD a Type 2 Helicopter, two Airtankers and 1 Air Attack are responding to the
#PlatteRiverfire
in Jefferson County, 4.25 mi NE of Buffalo Creek, CO. 2 mi E of Foxton, Co. , Ramona Gulch area.
Air resources are currently on the
#NorthCreekFire_CO
to include 2 single engine airtankers, a large airtanker, and a helicopter. This video was taken from the Multi-Mission Aircraft.
Wildfire called
#ManitouFire
located in El Paso County, is 4.5 miles northwest of Manitou Springs, CO, on the Pikes Peak Ranger District, near Manitou Reservoir. It is estimated at .5 ac, lighting caused and firefighters are on scene,
#RampartFire_CO
Crews have placed fire hose all the way around the fire. Crews will continue working and utilizing water to cool the edges of the fire in an effort to contain the Rampart Fire. Fire is still estimated to be 20 acres. More information:
Firefighters will be staffing fire all night. Air craft are off the fire for the night & will reengage in the morning.
#PlatteRiverFire
started on Pvt land then burned onto the USFS Land. Type 1 helicopter order canceled.
#RampartFire_CO
update. Crews will continue to build fire line around the perimeter to reach full containment. Expect to see smoke today since heavy fuels are still burning interior. High winds are expected and a red flag warning has been issued. Info:
Average cost for fireworks: $100
Fine for having fireworks on US Forest Service land in Colorado: $300 and
fireworks taken away
Cost of starting a wildfire with fireworks: Up to $5000 and 6 months in jail, and suppression costs
Cost of leaving fireworks at home: Priceless
The Pikes Peak & South Platte Ranger Districts will burn slash piles today the Skelton and Raleigh Peak project areas. Smoke is likely to been seen from many communities surrounding the project areas.
The
#Thorpefire_CO
is 100% contained. A type 5 team will take over today. This will include 2 engines, 1 tactical tender and one 4 person Module. For the most up-to-date information go to:
An inversion is capturing smoke over the
#WilsonRX
burn this morning. The temp in Lake George was 16 degrees. As the morning warms up this inversion should begin to release smoke. Smoke dispersal for today’s fire activities will be better than yesterday’s.
#LkGeoRx
#SouthParkRD
What did the Forest Service say when they found their llama? There's our llama! Thanks to everyone who kept an eye out for this unsung part of our workforce. The llama was found earlier today.
#ShawneePeakFire
11pm update. Fire is currently 40 acres, additional crews and aircraft to arrive tomorrow. New video upload of today's aerial recon flight.
There's a human caused .5ac wildfire in El Paso County, on the Pikes Peak RD, 6 miles W. of Monument, CO. off FSR 320 also known as the Mt. Herman Rd.. The
#320fireCoFire
is staffed with 1 USFS engine, 1 USFS squad.
The
#BlogettPeakFireCo
received some moisture this afternoon. Firefighters worked on the fire through out the day and the fire is now called 50% contained. CSFD will be patrolling tonight and other firefighters will return in the morning.
Two Large Airtankers dropped fire retardant on the
#BlogettPeakFireCo
. Colo Springs FD firefighters will be patrolling the area and monitoring the fire. USFS will take control of the fire at 9:00 am 12/23/21.
The
#RampartfireCo
had two Drone incursions. Regardless of your motivation, flying a drone near a wildfire is putting someone else’s life in danger. Your hobby is not worth another person’s life.
Firefighters are suppressing the
#DamFire_CO
, 9 mi W of Sedalia, CO. in Douglas County, on the S. Platte RD. Resources are USFS Mod 11, Douglas Co Type 6 Engine & Douglas Co Helicopter that is currently working on the fire.
Due to yesterday's good work by firefighters the
#PlatteRiverFire
is at 50% containment. Today crews will continue improving fire lines to secure the fire’s edge and halt fire growth. For the most up-to-date information go to:
Evening update on the
#MonumentFC_RX
. We will not be igniting tomorrow due to weather conditions not being conducive to meeting objectives. Crews will patrol the units tonight & will continue to hold & monitor the fire tomorrow. Smoke will settle in Iow lying areas this evening.
Ignitions on the
#MonumentFC_RX
have been completed for today with a total of 309 acres being treated. Smoke will still be visible as vegetation in the interior part if the unit continue to consume meeting our objectives.
#SandSpringsRX
test fire is successful. Crews will continue with their firing operation. Smoke is visible from Buffalo Creek / Highway 126. Please use caution and watch for fire crews along the road.
#SouthPlatteRD
A new 5 acre wildfire called
#AllenCreekCo
in Park County on the South Park RD, 16 miles NW. of Lake George, CO. Two USFS engines, 1 dozer and 6 county engines and a 20 Person crew is on order.
#SouthParkRD
There is a lot of smoke in the air today which has caused some local concern. The smoke & haze that you are seeing and smelling is from the wildfires in SW colorado as well as AZ. For more information on smoke impacts, please visit the
@NOAA
website:
Parts of our Leadville Ranger District received snow last night! Please plan accordingly, especially if you’re planning to head up to the higher elevations today.
Operations are still normal on the
#MonumentFC_RX
. The heavy smoke you see is a pocket of dead and downed fuel. All fire still contained within fire lines and objectives being met.
Billy Ellis kept watch over Devil's Head fire lookout for decades - climbing 143 steps to the tower for every shift. Today, at just a few years short of 90, he became a retiree.
#SouthPlatteRD
The planting of 500 acres on the Hayman burn scar north and east of Cheeseman Reservoir on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests has begun and will continue over the next 10 days. Burn Scars are lasting effects of a wildfire that leave behind charred, barren land.
#Reforestation
The leaves have a hint of color. Fall is just beginning in the high country of Pike & San Isabel National Forests. These pics were taken on
#SouthParkRD
near Dick's Peak a few days ago. It's always a good time to enjoy your federal public lands.
We just had a DRONE INCURSION over the fire. "If You Fly, We Don't" Grounding our aircraft can stop much needed suppression efforts and put firefighters on the ground in danger.
Good progress was made today on line work on the north perimeter of the
#PlatteRiverFire
. This work will continue tomorrow. Firefighters will scout east and west aspect for line construction opportunities. The fire is burning in steep and rocky terrain.
Can you spot the elk calf hiding by the log
#SalidaRD
? This time of year, young elk or deer attempt to stay hidden while their mothers are grazing nearby. They are not abandoned. Please do not disturb.
Pike & San Isabel NFs no longer have fire restrictions. Moisture/high humidity lowered fire danger. Enjoy campfires but follow the rules. Never leave a campfire unattended - even for a minute. To extinguish-drown with water, stir with shovel and make sure it's cold to the touch.
No visible smoke today on the
#BlodgettPeakFireCo
. The Blodgett Open Space will open tomorrow except for the trail head that the fire crews are using to access the fire.
Spot fires on the
#PlatteRiverFire
on the north side of the river were lined, mopped up and are cold. Firefighters will continue to patrol the fire area and utilize IR to monitor any heat within the fire perimeter.
#SouthPlatteRD
Views from the
#ShavanoRx
An agency owned and operated domestic drone takes flight to light the interior area of the burn unit so firefighters can focus efforts on the perimeter.
Potassium Permanganate and Glycol work together to ignite a small flame from these plastic balls.
The
#BlogettPeakFire
is located in El Paso County, Pikes Peak RD, .5 miles N of Colo Springs, CO. South of the Air Force Academy. Fire is .3 ac burning in steep rocky terrain, smoke can be seen from the I 25 corridor.
The 1.2 ac lighting caused
#RiverviewFireCO
, located in Jefferson County, South Platte RD, 3 mi NE. of Buffalo Creek, CO. Resources on scene, USFS Engines, Hand crew, Type 3 Helicopter
The
#RampartFireCo
will be staffed through the night. There are heavy fuels burning that the crews will be working on and the glow will be seen from a far distance. Size is now reported at 3 acres.
#PikesPeakRD
The
#SalidaRD
will be conducting a prescribed burn at the base of Mount Shavano today. Firefighters from across Colorado and Utah are here helping. Good morning!
#ShavanoRX
Update for the
#RampartFireCo
is it's 100% contained today at 1:20 pm for 3 acres. The three engines on scene are strengthening the fire line and gridding inside the perimeter mopping up hot spots.
#PikesPeakRD
#MonumentFC_RX
test fire is successful and ignitions will continue. Smoke will continue to be visible along the I-25 corridor from Denver to Colorado Springs. Please do not call 911 if you see this smoke.
US Forest Service personnel are on scene of the
#WestMonumentCreekFire
and a hand crew will arrive later this morning to assist in firefighting effort.
As of 6 a.m., the fire is not threatening any structures. U.S. Air Force Academy fire crews monitored the fire overnight with some firefighting. We expect air assets from Fort Carson (two helicopters) to assist with water dumps on the fire this morning.
This is the
#HarrisParkRX
as seen from Devil’s Head Fire Lookout on the
#SouthPlatteRD
. Our eye in the sky has been busy this season educating 25,000+ visitors about fire. This rainy + wet year allowed for more RX than ever before on the PSICC + few smoke reports.
#SilverTridentRX
High fire traffic on Rampart Range Road (FSR300) & Mt. Herman road (FSR 320). Drive cautiously and slowly as fire engines and firefighters are present on roadways. Smoke may impact visibility.
#PikesPeakRD
The colors are changing fast, but are spectacular this year! This is on the Leadville District, taken by the recreation program manager. Great day at the office...
The Capitol Christmas tree traveled from the forests of Colorado to Washington DC! It will adorned with thousands of handmade ornaments from the children of Colorado and lit on Dec. 2nd!
#USCapitolChristmasTree2020
The
#ForestRoadfire_CO
size is at 0.41 acres and the Helicopters have been released. There was another 0.1 ac
#211fire_CO
4 miles WSW of Deckers CO. that has been contained.
Today crews on the north side of the fire will be engaged in mop up around the structures. On the south side of the fire the Tatanka Hotshots will again cross the South Platte River on a raft with the help of the West Metro Swift Water Rescue Team.
The purpose of a broadcast burn is to introduce fire on the landscape and reduce the fuel load. It also removes decadent growth making way for new grasses and forbes, which is beneficial to wildlife.
#LakeGeoRx
Abandoned campfires are a major cause of unwanted human-caused wildfires on the PSICC. Never leave your campfire unattended, make sure it is out cold. Drown…Stir…Drown…Feel. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave!
Prescribed pile burning today on the
#SouthPlatteRD
. Fire managers will be in the Harris Park and
#HatchRX
locations where smoke may be visible from the communities of Bailey and Deckers.
Firefighters will be staffing the
#RampartFire_CO
overnight. Engines will work on patrolling and securing the fires edge. An order for additional resources has been placed to support suppression efforts for tomorrow. The Rampart Fire remains at 20 acres.
It’s the little things that can protect your home from wildfire: clean gutters, rake and mow, trim trees hanging over and near your structures.
#Firewise
#CareforColorado
The MMA morning flight didn't identified any heat signature on the
#BlodgettPeakFireCo
. Containment is now at 100%. Another MMA flight will be scheduled for a date and time TBD.
#RampartFire_CO
remains at 50% contained. There are 3 engines, & 1 squad supporting suppression efforts. Fire complexity level changes from type 4 to a type 5 incident. Operations will continue to mop up interior hot spots and secure the fire line.
Operations normal at the
#ShavanoRx
on the
#SalidaRD
. Completed 60% of the burning. Smoke is visible from Highway 50 corridor and can be seen from the public in Park County.
For 35 seasons, Billy climbed 143 steps to the Devil’s Head Lookout Tower where he scanned the horizon for smokes while engaging the public in our work.
The PSICC and the rest of the Forest Service extend our deepest gratitude to Billy and his family. Enjoy retirement!
Monarch butterflies are loving life on
#CimarronRD
. Thousands are migrating through Southwest KS to a warmer winter climate. They thrive and survive on milkweed plants.
The aircraft on the
#OakRidgeFire_CO
made good progress slowing fire progress with helicopter water bucket drops & retardant fire lines with large airtankers. Pike Hotshot hand-crew will arrive tomorrow.
Ignitions have started on a second area of the
#MonumentFC_RX
. You will now see two smoke columns. All ops are normal and progress is as planned and meeting all objectives.
Wildfire called
#TeddysPeakfire_CO
in Huerfano County on the San Carlos Ranger District, 4 miles SW of Cuchara, CO. Forest Service, Huerfano County resources and two SEAT's are working to suppress the fire.
Today is Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday! Remember that Smokey’s friends don’t play with matches, so let’s skip the candles this year. Happy birthday,
@smokey_bear
!
There was an intrusion by a fixed wing aircraft in the air space above the
#PlatteRiverFire
last night about 8:00 pm. All aircraft should see and avoid wildland fire smoke. This also goes for drones. When the airspace is compromised all firefighting by air must be shut down.
Roadside grasses are the first to become dry and prone to fire. Secure safety chains, maintain your vehicle and never park in tall grass.
#CareForColorado
#OneLessSpark
Abandoned campfires are a major cause of unwanted human-caused wildfires on the PSICC. Never leave your campfire unattended, make sure it is out cold. Drown…Stir…Drown…Feel. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave!
#CareForColorado
#SmokeyBear
#RecreatResponsibly
South Platte Ranger District fire crews successfully burned 140 piles today in Hatch Gulch near the communities of Trumbull and Deckers to help improve forest health.
#SouthPlatteRD
Final day of ignitions complete at
#HarrisParkRx
on
#SouthPlatteRD
. 285 acres successfully burned, fostering resilient forests against fire, pests, & diseases. These fires also provide for diverse wildlife habitats, recreational opportunities + sustainable watershed conditions.
The Pikes Peak Ranger District will be burning slash piles by Carrol Lakes Rd. off Rampart Range Road today. Fire Crews will be burning up to 75 hand piles and smoke will be visible on the Hwy 24 corridor and possibly from Colorado Springs.
#PikesPeakRD
Deep snow and hazardous fuels are the setting for this
#PikesPeakRd
prescribed fire near Chipita Park today. This is just one more step toward a more healthy and sustainable forest.
#HealthyForests
There was no increase in size on the
#BlogettPeakFireCo
. A multi agency squad is hiking up to the fire to construct fire line to gain containment. Firefighter safety is the number 1 concern.
#PlatteRiverFire
is now at 31 acres. Jefferson County ordered some evacuations. Evacuation center is at the Conifer High School. Large animals can be taken to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Type 1 Helicopter has been ordered.
#SouthPlatteRD