Brush Creek Fire Update

NEWS RELEASE

July 18, 2012, 10 p.m.

Contact: Lynn Barclay 970-826-5096
Fire Information Line: 970-826-5108

Update on Brush Creek  fire

Garfield County, CO – Fire personnel report holding the Brush Creek Fire in the Pike Ridge area with the help of retardant drops. The east flank is looking fairly good and some hand line has been established. Of concern is the west side of the fire where embers ignited spot fires in heavy downed timber. Other concerns are dry fuels, poor access and rough terrain.  The initial reconnaissance flight showed eight structures and eight outbuildings in proximity of the fire.  Two structures west of the incident are about one half mile from the fire perimeter.  The fire has been moving northeast as winds are out of the southwest.

The first objective is protection of life and structures and the structure protection engines will continue to guard the residences in that area.  The additional fire resources requested are four crews, two medium helicopters, two helitankers, two heavy air tankers, and one water tender. Lightning has been determined the cause of this incident.

The Brush Creek Fire is near Douglas Pass on Bureau of Land Management public land 17 miles east of the Utah border.  It is situated on Pike Ridge burning in heavy timber with limited, difficult access.  Oil and gas facilities are a few miles northeast of the incident. Engines will continue providing structure protection with support from two single engine air tankers dropping retardant and a helicopter dropping water.   The fire is estimated to be 125 acres.