Fire Crews Begin Wrapping Up the 842 Fire
Release Date: Aug 17, 2017
BAYFIELD, Colorado – August 17, 2017
All firing operations have been completed on the 842 Fire that began as a result of a lightning strike on August 1st. Fire crews will continue to monitor and patrol the fire over the next several days. Thursday evening the fire will be transitioning over to a type 4 incident.
This fire was managed by using indirect methods which allowed firefighters to burnout areas adjacent to the fire, preventing it’s spread and reducing fuel on the landscape at the same time. Once the fire is out, Forest Service employees will be conducting surveys to determine how much fuel loading has actually been eliminated throughout the fire area. This information will be used to determine its effectiveness and how to go about managing fires like this in the future.
The public should be aware that interior burning and smoke will continue for the next several days and visitors are encouraged to take extra precaution near the burn area. New hazards will now be present in and around the fire area including rolling, falling, and unstable debris such as rocks, trees, and snags. When a fire burns through a forested area, even seemingly healthy trees can be dangerous since fire may have compromised the root system. These trees can often fall without warning. While there are no closures in place, avoiding the area altogether is recommended to ensure public safety.
This will be the last news release for the 842 Fire unless there are any significant changes with the fire.
For more information, please contact Chris Tipton, Columbine District Fire Management Officer at 970 884-1427, or the Columbine District Office at 970 884-2512
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