Oak Ridge Fire 25% contained, crews urge community to use caution this Fourth of July

(PUEBLO/CUSTER COUNTIES) — Oak Ridge Fire crews reported on Thursday, July 4 containment increased in the fire that has been burning since June 22.

According to a Facebook post, the acreage remained the same overnight at 1,191 and new containment at 25%. Due to dryer weather today, crews expect more smoke and some fire activity will likely be more visible.

“Last night we had a lot of good work done in night group,” said Matt Holte, Operations Section Chief Trainee in a morning update on July 4. Holte added that most of the containment was in the northeast area, in Division A.

Currently, crews are still battling against the fire. Crews will continue to prep dozer lines and get rid of any slash that may fuel the fire. A Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team 3 statement reported that roads and trails are being prepped as secondary firelines that can also serve as protection in the event of future fires.

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Oak Ridge Fire crews want to remind the community to be aware of closures in the San Carlos Ranger District. Effective on June 26, there is a trail and road closures shown below

Fire crews and the USFS want to remind the community to be safe during the Fourth of July holiday. “We ask everyone to use caution if your celebration includes any type of fire,” said the Facebook post on Wednesday, July 3.

At the moment, there are no fire restrictions or burn bans in Custer or Pueblo counties. Crews are asking individuals to make sure their campfires are fully extinguished before leaving them unattended and to limit the use of fireworks in any location that may be prone to fire.

If you are wondering how to completely extinguish a fire, you can do so by stirring the coals with a metal shovel, wetting wood and coal on all sides, and/or shoveling some dirt to smother it fully. More information can be found on the USFS website.

Pre-evacuation status includes Middle Creek Canyon Road, Vine Mesa, Cascade Avenue, Pine Avenue, and Beulah Highlands Road in Pueblo County.

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