Oak Ridge Fire receives new management, 76% containment

UPDATE: WEDNESDAY 7/10/2024 10:50 a.m.

(PUEBLO/CUSTER COUNTIES, Colo.) — Fire crews announced on Wednesday, July 10 that the current priority is suppression repair of the Oak Ridge Fire.

Suppression repair involves the repairing or restoration of areas impacted by firefighting efforts. Some examples include installing water bars on firelines to dissipate water.

According to fire crews, the fire burned mainly in a “mosaic pattern,” meaning that there are areas of burned and unburned fuels within the fire perimeter. As the area moves into a warming trend through the week, fuels may smolder and continue to produce smoke.

On the northern side of the fire, Division A, crews continue to scatter and chip brush that was cleared during line installation. Fire crews said these efforts help to return the landscape to pre-firefighting conditions as best as possible and fire managers are working closely with resource advisors to ensure these efforts are completed to meet recommended standards.

As a reminder, a 24-hour a-day Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire area remains in effect. The TFR includes restrictions against private drones and all air incursions will be reported to law enforcement.

WEDNESDAY 7/10/2024 9:56 a.m.

A new team took command of the Oak Ridge Fire on Wednesday, July 10.

According to a Facebook post , as of 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9, the fire had officially transitioned to a smaller, type 3 incident management team (IMT), and a new Type 3 Management Team would continue to manage the fire.

On Wednesday, July 10, the Type 3 Management Team took command and held their first briefing. According to the post, the new team includes members from the outgoing team with on-the-ground experience of the fire. They will eventually also be joined by new members from other area agencies.

“This new management team has the same commitment to the community of Beulah, the Middle Creek Watershed, as well as continuing to protect firefighter safety,” said crews online.

Updates will still be posted online at the InciWeb site or at the Facebook page linked above.

As of Wednesday, July 10, the fire stood at 1,310 acres and had been 76% contained. The estimated containment date is Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

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