Oak Ridge Fire 69% contained, pre-evacuation lifted

UPDATE: MONDAY 7/8/2024 12:08 p.m.

(BEULAH, Colo.) — The Pueblo County Sherrif’s Office (PCSO) is ending pre-evacuation for all areas in Beulah.

Effective Monday, July 8 at noon, Sheriff Lucero ended pre-evacuations for Middle Creek Canyon Rd., Vine Mesa, Cascade Ave., Pine Ave., and Beulah Highlands Road.

Pre-evacuation was lifted due to the progress made on the fire and the continued increase in the fire’s containment.

ORIGINAL TITLE: Oak Ridge Fire 69% contained and at 1,310 acres

MONDAY 7/8/2024 8:49 a.m.

Fire crews have continued chipping and “back-hauling” operations as the Oak Ridge Fire stayed stable overnight and remains at 1,310 acres and 69% containment on Monday, July 8.

According to the official Oak Ridge Fire page , back-hauling refers to gathering and breaking down all of the hoses, sprinklers, pumps, and gear positioned for major active fire, and returning the area to its normal appearance and use. This process is only started once the major risks of a fire are significantly reduced.

Controlled burn operations over on the southeast perimeter of the fire were successful, though as a result, more smoke may be visible as fuel within the containment lines continues to burn and smolder.

As the fire threat diminishes, crews are shifting their efforts to “suppression repair,” working to restore areas affected by helicopter landings and active firefighting to their previous conditions. This aims to minimize environmental impact and repair the watershed to reduce the risk of future flooding.

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