(PUEBLO/CUSTER COUNTIES, Colo.) — Officials with the Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Three, which took over command for the Oak Ridge Fire on Wednesday morning, June 26, gave a briefing on the firefighting efforts just after 1:30 p.m.
According to the update, 20 structures have been evacuated and this morning, crews continued to set up hoselays and sprinkler systems to protect structures most at risk. On the west side of the fire, crews continue to battle very steep, rough terrain and are searching for the best ways to attack the fire in that area.
Watch the full update in the video player above.
UPDATE: Oak Ridge Fire prompts forest closure
WEDNESDAY 6/26/2024 12:58 p.m.
The U.S. Forest Service has put a forest closure order in effect.
The order will take effect on Wednesday, June 26 through Friday, July 26, 2024, unless rescinded.
The map above details the closed area.
UPDATE: Weather could impact Oak Ridge Fire’s growth on Wednesday
WEDNESDAY 6/26/2024 10:50 a.m.
266 personnel are currently working on containing the Oak Ridge Fire, which is burning in both Custer and Pueblo counties, about three miles northwest of Beulah, according to a new update posted to the Oak Ridge Fire Facebook page .
Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Three officially took command over the fire on Wednesday morning, June 26, at 6 a.m. and Casey Cheesbrough, the Team’s Incident Commander posted an update just before 10:30 a.m.
Cheesbrough included information on the current firefighting efforts with crews continuing to work on structure protection, with plans to set up hoselays and sprinkler systems to protect structures most at risk.
Courtesy: FOX21 Reporter Maggy Wolanske
Courtesy: FOX21 Reporter Maggy Wolanske
Courtesy: FOX21 Reporter Maggy Wolanske
Courtesy: FOX21 Reporter Maggy Wolanske
Courtesy: USFS
Courtesy: FOX21 Reporter Maggy Wolanske
Courtesy: FOX21 New photojournalist Dez Rowe
Courtesy: USFS
Courtesy: USFS
Courtesy: FOX21 Reporter Maggy Wolanske
Cheesbrough warned that weather may play a factor in the fire’s growth again on Wednesday.
“Fire activity may result in an increase of acres after the inversion lifts [Wednesday] morning,” wrote Cheesbrough. “Some thunderstorms are predicted later [Wednesday] afternoon that will bring gusty winds. Air resources will assist firefighters on the grounds as weather permits.”
The community is also warned that inversions will cause smoke to settle in lower elevations and that air quality checks in and around the Oak Ridge Fire, can be found here.
According to Cheesbrough, there is a Temporary Flight Restriction over the fire area and the public is asked not to fly or operate drones in the area as it will impede firefighting efforts.
A fire information phone line has been established for the Oak Ridge Fire at (719) 315-1536, and an email has also been set up at 2024.oakridge@firenet.gov.
ORIGINAL STORY: New management takes over for Oak Ridge Fire
WEDNESDAY 6/26/2024 9:33 a.m.
The Oak Ridge Fire, which began on Saturday, June 22 near Beulah in Pueblo County has now grown to 787 acres with 0% containment as of the latest update posted on Tuesday evening, June 25, and now a new team is taking command of the incident.
Early on Wednesday morning, June 26, the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Three, arrived in the area to begin management of the fire, and according to the Oak Ridge Fire Facebook page , a daily update on the fire will be released later on Wednesday.
The latest map of the fire’s perimeter shows it has officially crossed into Custer County.
Fire perimeter as of Wednesday morning, June 26, 2024:
On Tuesday, several fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft provided support to crews on the ground with water drops over the flames. Video of a Sky Crane was captured as its sucked water into its interior tank.
Also on Tuesday, the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment sent out an Air Quality Advisory for Pueblo County as it is being impacted by wildfire smoke. Those who live in the area should try to remain indoors and limit outdoor activity if smoke becomes thick in their neighborhoods; this is especially important for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults.
“Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill,” wrote the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment. “If visibility is less than five miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.”
Meanwhile, mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect for Middle Creek Canyon Road, along with pre-evacuation orders for Cascade Avenue, Pine Avenue, Beulah Highland Road, and Vine Mesa. Officials are also asking people who do not live near Beulah to avoid the area at this time.
Volunteers with the American Red Cross are assisting at the evacuation center for community members, which is located at the St. Charles Mesa Recreation Center at 1650 Cooper Place in Pueblo. There’s also a shelter for livestock only at 4 Bar S, located at 6675 CO-78.
FOX21 News will continue to monitor the fire’s progress and will update this article as information comes in.
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