July 4, 2018 Weston Pass Fire Update.
Here's the latest info from Fire Teams:
Weather today is presenting another challenging day for firefighters. Forecast afternoon thunderstorms have the potential of dry lightning, but the biggest concern is shifting wind direction behind the passage of a cold front. Temperatures will be in the low to mid 70s with a little higher relative humidity at 12-17%. The strong gusty and erratic winds that may accompany a cold front pushing into the area are a primary safety concern for firefighters on the line.
Current Situation
Acreage is 10,727 and containment is 5%. Yesterday major emphasis was again focused on the portion of the fire nearest Campground of the Rockies Association (CORA). Fixed wing aircraft including heavy tankers, single engine air tankers and MAFFs (C-130 Modular Airborne Firefighting System) which dropped 19 loads totaling over 47,000 gallons of retardant to assist with spot fires, strengthen the containment lines and slow the advance of the fire. Firing operations continued along FS 168 and FS 433 to reinforce the containment line on the southeast quadrant of the fire nearest CORA.
Today operations will again focus on prepping lines along FS433 and 158 to prepare for more firing operations along the southern and western sections of the fire. The predicted easterly wind shift may postpone firing operations on this section of the fire today due to possibility of erratic gusty winds. Crews on the northern section of the fire will continue securing line and mopping up any hot spots.
Information Briefing: There will be a public briefing at 2:00 PM outside at Prather’s Grocery Store, 301 US Hwy 285, Fairplay. Public Information Officers will conduct these briefings on a daily basis.
Closures and Public Safety: A closure is in place one mile south of Fairplay at the junction of US Highway 285/State Highway 9 to all traffic, except local residents or landowners. A total closure is in place from the junction of US Highway 285/County Road 22 to Antero Junction. For up to date information visit www.cotrip.org. Evacuation status may change and evolve. For up to date information, please visit http://www.parkco.us.
Fire Statistics:
Location: 9 miles south of Fairplay, CO Percent Contained: 5%
Start Date: June 28, 2018 Total Personnel: Approximately 484
Size: 10,727 acres Cause: Lightning
Resources Include: Three Type 1 hand crews, 9 Type 2 hand crews, 14 engines, and 2 dozers
Helicopters: Three Type 1, two Type 3, and one fixed wing aircraft.