Oak Ridge Fire: Colorado blaze 5% contained at 1,190 acres following weekend efforts

Federal, state and local crews have started the month of July with the 1,190-acre Oak Ridge Fire northwest of Beulah 5% contained.

The fire began on June 22 when lightning struck about 3 miles from Beulah. Over 530 personnel were fighting the blaze as of July 1, according to a daily Oak Ridge Fire update. Current containment percentages may increase as the fire's perimeter increases with strategic fire operations.

Kathryn Abrahamson, an Oak Ridge Fire public information officer, told the Chieftain that while evacuations and pre-evacuations remain in place, no properties had been reported destroyed or damaged as of Monday.

"We work to protect everything," she said. "We have a structure protection group that is evaluating and working on things. They are planning for anything, but at this point, we don't have any damages."

Daily update details containment efforts

The Oak Ridge Fire update for July 1 reported that fire managers remain confident that a containment line constructed west of Beulah will continue to hold. A dozer line north of the fire perimeter in "Division A" was scheduled for completion on July 1.

A check line — meaning a temporary fireline constructed at right angles to the control line and used to hold a backfire in check as a means of regulating the heat or intensity of the backfire — connected to "Division U" northwest of the perimeter also is being constructed to serve as a temporary retardant during firefighters' construction of a primary fire line.

Meanwhile, structure protection crews are starting protection efforts in Fairview and along Colorado Highway 165.

Containment efforts over the weekend were aided by Saturday night rain. Precipitation allowed for crews to have a "solid foundation" to maintain and secure indirect fire lines, according to the Oak Ridge Fire 2024 Facebook page.

"Precipitation, humidity and that type of activity in the weather provides those opportunities for our firefighters, but it certainly doesn't slow down the fire," Abrahamson told the Chieftain. "We often will say 'It's kind of like dropping some water on a hot skillet.' It will cool it down but it evaporates pretty quickly."

Where are closures and evacuations in place?

Middle Creek Canyon Road in the Beulah Valley remains closed with homes along the road under mandatory evacuation. Additional closures specified in a U.S. Forest Service order issued on June 26 also remain in place. The June 26 order can be read in its entirety at fs.usda.gov/alerts/psicc/alerts-notices.

Structures along Beulah Highlands Road, Cascade Avenue, Pine Avenue and Vine Mesa Avenue are under pre-evacuation status. Additional information regarding evacuations and closures can be found at pueblosheriff.org/394/Pueblo-Emergency-Status-Board.

An Air Quality Index forecast by the U.S. Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program reports that "good" air quality was forecast throughout July 1 and July 2 for Pueblo, Cañon City and Colorado City, as of Monday afternoon. No protective actions are recommended in the event of good air quality.

"Moderate" air quality is forecast on Tuesday night for Beulah residents. For areas with moderate air quality, the index recommends that "unusually sensitive individuals" avoid "heavy exertion" or "prolonged" exposure to outdoor activity. Air quality updates are accessible at outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/d9fa3c77.

Additional information about the Oak Ridge Fire can be found by calling 719-315-1536 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Individuals also can email 2024.oakridge@firenet.gov or visit the @OakRidgeFire2024 Facebook page.

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Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.