100% contained, but not 100% controlled. We need moisture for the final end of this fire.
Everyone, please do their rain or snow dances for us!
Junkins Fire
FINAL UPDATE: November 5, 2016
Contact: Fire Information Line: 719-283-1710
Incident: The Junkins Fire was started by downed power line as a result of a wind event on October 17, 2016. Location: 11 Miles east of Westcliffe, Colorado Incident Command: Colorado Team Gray, Paul Duarte, Incident Commander. Current Size: 18,403 acres Containment: 100% Personnel: 96 Cause: Power lines Injuries: 1 Structures Destroyed: 9 Residences, 17 Outbuildings Resources: Crews: 2 Engines: 3 Helicopters: 1 Current Situation:
Colorado Team Gray declares the Junkins Fire is now 100% contained and remains at 18,403 acres. A local Type 4 Team, led by Incident Commander Kevin King, assumed command of the fire at 6 am this morning. Remaining crews are completing repair to fire lines and making plans for seeding to help mitigate erosion.
Air reconnaissance flights over the past several days have confirmed the fire’s perimeter is secure and qualifies the fire to be 100% contained. “Containment” means that a fuel break around the fire has been completed. This break may include natural barriers or manually and/or mechanically constructed line. Please note this does not mean the fire is 100% controlled. “Controlled” is defined as the complete extinguishment of a fire, including spot fires, and that the fireline has been strengthened so that flare-ups from within the perimeter of the fire will not break through this line.
Light to heavy smoke from deep within the fire’s interior may still be visible at times and will remain until the area receives enough precipitation to completely extinguish the fire.
We ask that all hunters, tourists and local residents please slow down and use caution when driving in the fire area, as crews are still working to mitigate hazards along roadways. Areas of smoke may still pose visibility issues for drivers in the early morning and evening hours.
Colorado Team Gray wishes to thank the residents and cooperating partners of Westcliffe, Silver Cliff, Wetmore, Beulah and surrounding communities for their continued support and patience for the duration of the Junkins Fire.
For more information:
Follow us on Twitter: @JunkinsFire
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/JunkinsFire/
See our InciWeb post: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5071/#
BAER Team InciWeb post: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5074/
