Single Publication

This evening, strategic firing operations are anticipated to begin on the southeastern corner of the fire (Div. K). A plan has been developed to put in a fireline along a ridge that can be more easily accessed by crews. If implemented, this operation will begin by using drip torches to fire and widen an existing containment line. Later, aerial ignition from unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) may be used to burn fuels from the fireline to the main fire. A hoselay is also being assembled in this area to aid in securing this line. This operation would aid in containment in an area that has been difficult to access and allow firefighters to work in a more accessible area with a higher probability of success. This plan was carefully developed, evaluating appropriate firefighting tactics that best align the needed outcome with weather and fuel conditions. Expect to see additional smoke in the area with these operations as fuels burn out.   

Yesterday, in Branch I on Div. A, crews continued work on chipping the northern secondary line and began to remove potentially hazardous trees on the line going south towards the fire. Chipper work continued in Div. D on the line from North Fork towards Beulah. Div. K utilized infrared UAS flights and ground resources to find areas of heat and work out the plan for today. They tested the hose lay on the line down towards Soldier Park.    

On the western half of the fire (Branch II), Div. M worked east and tied in with Div. K with a completed hose lay in the Potato Mountain area. Crews continued to prep the line near Silver Creek Trail in Div. U. On the northwest corner of the fire, Div. W., firefighters continued to work directly on the edge of the fire perimeter, seeking out and extinguishing areas of heat.   

Night operations are being maintained across the fire area except for Div. U.  Firefighters patrol and monitor any fire activity overnight, to protect values at risk. Aerial resources continue to be used for monitoring the fire, utilizing water drops and moving sling loads of equipment.   

Remember, there is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire area. Any incursions in the TFR, including private drones, are immediately reported to law enforcement. These incursions impede firefighting efforts and ground our aircraft.   

Weather & Smoke Information: Partly cloudy skies and cooler temperatures (max. 81) will be in the area. Relative humidity levels will reach the 40’s with a very low chance of showers. Winds will shift out of the northwest to east/southeast by 10:00 a.m. Cumulus cloud buildup will begin over the afternoon. The U.S. Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program daily smoke outlook report specific to the fire area may be found here: Visit https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/d9fa3c77.  

Closures: The San Carlos Ranger District of the Pike and San Isabel National Forests issued an area, trail and road closure effective June 26, 2024. Go to www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/psicc/alerts-notices for the entire order. 

Evacuations: The areas in Pueblo County that are on pre-evacuation status include Middle Creek Canyon Road, Vine Mesa, Cascade Avenue, Pine Avenue and Beulah Highlands Road. For all evacuation information, visit:  www.puebloemergency.info. 

OAK RIDGE FIRE INFORMATION 

Fire Information Phoneline:  719-315-1536 Time: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

Facebook: @OakRidgeFire2024   Email: 2024.oakridge@firenet.gov    

InciWeb: www.inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/copsf-oak-ridge-fire