Oak Ridge fire update, 6/27/24

 The Oak Ridge fire is now estimated at 1,008 acres and continues to burn near the Pueblo/Custer County line, approximately 3 miles northwest of Beulah, CO. Firefighting operations "hit it hard" on Wednesday, deploying fire retardant via airborne resources, enabling additional ground operations to take place and slow the fire's spread. Smoke impacts were minimal on Thursday morning, and with increased cloud cover and relative humidity expected on Thursday, the Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke was allowed to expire.

Thunderstorms are possible in this area on Thursday afternoon. These may aid firefighting operations and limit fire activity and smoke production, however thunderstorms also may produce gusty, erratic winds that can send smoke in any direction. CDPHE/APCD will closely monitor smoke conditions, and may re-issue an advisory if concerns for public health increase.

Smoke will remain present in areas in the immediate vicinity of the fire, and individuals who are unusually sensitive to smoke are encouraged to take health precautions in areas where smoke is apparent.

Image courtesy of Viaero Wireless.

For additional information and updates visit the InciWeb page for this fire.

Oak Ridge Fire Update, Wednesday 6/26

The Oak Ridge Fire grew westward on Tuesday, and is now burning along the Pueblo/ Custer County line. For the most up-to-date information on fire growth, visit InciWeb.

On Wednesday, smoke will likely dissipate throughout the day as atmospheric mixing picks up. There is a possibility of afternoon thunderstorms, which could send smoke in any direction. After the thunderstorms move through and the wind dies down, smoke will begin to settle. Smoke may become moderate to heavy overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning, especially in Beulah.

Map showing the estimated perimeter of the Oak Ridge Fire.

An Air Quality Health Advisory remains in effect for eastern Custer and western Pueblo Counties until 9 AM MDT Thursday morning, 6/27.

Oak Ridge Fire 6/25

The Oak Ridge Fire is burning in Pueblo County, approximately 3 miles northwest of Beulah. Dry thunderstorms are possible through Tuesday evening, with gusty, erratic winds that could send smoke in any direction. Smoke may become heavy overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning, especially along Middle Creek which could result in moderate to heavy smoke in Beulah.

Visit InciWeb for the most up-to-date information on the Oak Ridge Fire.

Smoke from the Oak Ridge Fire.

Smoke impacts have decreased on the Interlaken fire on Thursday, 6/13/24

Smoke impacts have decreased greatly on Thursday morning in areas near the Interlaken wildfire in southern Lake and northern Chaffee counties. Due to lower risks for public health, the Air Quality Health Advisory will be allowed to expire at 9 am on Thursday. Light winds and good atmospheric mixing are expected to loft smoke away from the surface on Thursday, resulting in minimal public health impacts. CDPHE/APCD will continue to monitor fire activity and smoke production, and will re-issue advisories for smoke if concentrations increase. Light to moderate concentrations of smoke may linger in lower terrain in areas near Twin Lakes, particularly during the overnight and early morning hours. Health precautions should be considered by groups who are unusually sensitive to exposure to smoke (fine particulate matter).

Light concentrations of smoke are present near Buena Vista on Thursday morning. Image courtesy of Federal  Aviation Administration.

Prescribed fire near Monument continues on Thursday

 The US Forest Service is continuing a prescribed burn project on Thursday with a treatment of up to 400 acres possible.  There have been some heavy smoke impacts from Wednesday's burn on areas just to the east of the burn site in western parts of the Monument area.  Fortunately that smoke is starting to clear out Thursday morning, though another round of smoke will be possible later today and early Friday morning.  For residents in this area, please keep windows close when smoke is present and avoid or reduce any strenous activities.

Smoke from the Monument prescribed fire on June 12, 2024

Heavy morning smoke near the Interlaken Fire

 It's a rough morning for air quality at Twin Lakes Wednesday morning with heavy smoke settling overnight from the Interlaken Fire.  The smoke has also spread southwards along the Arkansas River and State Highway 24 into Americus and Buena Vista.  It's unclear at this point how much additional fire activity can be expected today, but regardless the Air Quality Health Advisory that was issued last night for southern Lake and northern Chaffee Counties will be re-issued and will run through at least 9am Thursday.

Heavy smoke along the Arkansas River Valley.  Image courtesy of the Federal Aviation Administration

Air Quality Health Advisory issued for the Interlaken wildfire in southern Lake County, 6/11/24

An Air Quality Health Advisory has been issued for the Interlaken wildfire, burning in southern Lake County, approximately 5 miles northwest of Granite, Colorado. Smoke from this fire is visible along Highway 24 near Twin Lakes, and between Leadville and Buena Vista. Health precautions should be taken in this area, especially for those who are sensitive to smoke (fine particulate matter). 

Prescribed Fire near Green Mountain

 A prescribed fire is taking place today near Green Mountain in the Pike-San Isabel National Forest. No major public health impacts are expected from this fire, but smoke may be visible as far away as Chatfield State park on Wednesday evening through Thursday morning. In areas where smoke is present, unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.