Single Publication

Using a combination of drip torches and aerial ignition, firefighters were able to complete the strategic firing operation on the southeastern corner of the fire (Div. K) yesterday. This work gained an additional 200-300' of blackened ground within the containment line. The widened containment line will help to secure that corner of the fire in an area that is safer and more accessible for firefighters, protecting values at risk including Beulah and the Middle Creek Watershed.   

At the July 1 community meeting, the team had discussed an overall strategy that would have utilized strategic firing operations over a much larger area. Moderated weather and fuel conditions have thus far allowed fire managers to shrink the larger planned area that was presented using ground resources to build direct containment lines on the fire’s edge. The fire is now anticipated to safely stay within a much smaller footprint. Additional strategic firing operations are not planned at this time unless conditions change. Firefighters will continue to monitor hotspots within the fire perimeter including recently burned areas. When conditions warrant, the backhaul of equipment and rehabilitation of containment lines will proceed in Div. K. Over the rest of the fire, backhaul and rehabilitation are currently in progress. 

Additional smoke is anticipated to be in the Beulah area today. The hotter and drier weather is allowing fuels within the perimeter to smoke and burn, including the area of the firing operation in Div. K. Individuals that are sensitive to smoke may want to limit their time outdoors. The U.S. Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program daily smoke outlook report specific to the fire area may be found at https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/d9fa3c77.    

Monday is the last day that the public information boards in Westcliffe, Wetmore, San Isabel and Bishop Castle will be available. The board at the Beulah General Store will remain and public information will still be available via the methods at the bottom of this page.   

Weather & Smoke Information:  Winds will shift this morning from north/northwest to east by 9:00 a.m. Maximum temperatures will reach 83 and relative humidity levels will be at 25%. Thunderstorms are likely this afternoon.  

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: 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. Go to  www.puebloemergency.info. for more information.  

Temporary Flight Restrictions: There is a 24-hour a day Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the fire area. The TFR includes restrictions against private drones. Air incursions will impede firefighting efforts and ground our aircraft. All air incursions will be immediately reported to law enforcement.   

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