Keep important papers in a safe, waterproof place. If you are in a flood-prone area move immediately to high ground. A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. The Pine Gulch Fire was started by a lightning strike on July 31, 2020, approximately 18 miles north of Grand Junction, Colorado. You can use this interactive map to measure exactly how far the burn scar is from you. BAER is a federal program that addresses post-fire effects on public lands. Avoid activities that create smoke or other air pollutants to decrease indoor particle levels including: Vacuuming, unless you use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Using the long dishwasher wash cycle as long as the dishwasher is debris-free, heats water to at least 140 ̊F, and has a heated drying cycle. Landlines are automatically signed up for the Emergency Notification System, however, cell phone users need to sign up. Mud and debris flows can destroy homes, wash out bridges and roadways, and knock down trees. Avoid stirring up or sifting through ash as much as you can. Notification that it is safe to return home will be given as soon as possible considering safety and accessibility. This Aug. 9, 2020 handout satellite image obtained courtesy of Maxar Technologies shows a home surrounded by burnt terrain as the Pine Gulch wildfire burns north of Grand Junction. jessica.snouwaert@gazette.com, © 2020 Produced by Colorado Springs Gazette. But crews have made good progress on the northeast and southeast side of the fire, she said, allowing people to return home along the 204 Road. Avoid actions that kick ash particles up into the air, such as dry sweeping. Work has begun to analyze data and develop projection models and local agencies will begin working with landowners and stakeholders on findings. Garvey Canyon Road, Coal Gulch Road and 21 Road are open only to the point at which they meet the fire’s edge. More information about Flash Flood Safety and Preparation, Unusual sounds including cracking, breaking, roaring, or a freight train. Connect garden hoses to outside water valves or spigots for use by firefighters. Control of the fire returned to local agencies on September 12, 2020, to complete suppression repair of areas damaged by actions taken to contain the fire, such as retardant drops and building firelines.   If you are advised to leave, don’t hesitate! Be alert for downed power lines and other hazards. LeClair said she “would never say never” that resources could be pulled from the Pine Gulch firefighting efforts to help elsewhere, but that given the size of the fire, “we’re one of the highest priorities in the nation.”. They are prepared to be self-sufficient for several days after they arrive and any additional supplies will be taken care of by the fire team's great logistics staff. A smoke outlook by city is available here. There was a problem saving your notification. “With us moving up in the the hierarchy in Colorado history, I would say we will stay at very high priority,” she said. Many different species of wildlife make their home in and around the area of the Pine Gulch Fire. No monetary or supply donations are needed. or place them in your pool. — Roan Creek Road (CR 204) above Brush Creek Road (CR 209). Garvey Canyon Road, Coal Gulch Road and 21 Road are open only to the point at which they meet the fire’s edge. (Courtesy of James Caldwell). Pine Gulch fire grows to 125,252 acres — now…, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Submit to Stumbleupon (Opens in new window). Without vegetation to hold the soil in place, flooding can produce mud and debris flows. The new size of the fire puts it ahead of the second-largest wildfire in state history, which also broke out this year, the Pine Gulch Fire. Ash from forest fires is relatively nontoxic and is similar to ash that might be found in your fireplace; however, all ash contains small amounts of cancer-causing chemicals. Fill water buckets and place them around the house. Turn the air conditioning to “recirculate” mode. Listen to your radio/TV for announcements from law enforcement and emergency personnel. The Pine Gulch wildfire, burning in Mesa County north of Grand Junction, has burned 139,007 acres and is 95% contained and is the largest fire … Wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants when cleaning ash, and avoid skin contact. The objective of the BAER program is to determine the need for and to prescribe and implement emergency treatments on federal lands to minimize threats to life and property resulting from the effects of a fire or to stabilize and prevent unacceptable degradation to natural and cultural resources. A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. Even areas that are not traditionally flood-prone are at risk, due to changes to the landscape caused by fire. CLICK HERE TO TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS. Photo courtesy of Kyle Miller, Wyoming Hot Shots. Pine Gulch’s expansion continued Wednesday to the west, leading to evacuation orders and pre-evacuation notices for rural residents tucked between the fire and the Utah border, as well as the closure of multiple county roads. Check your residence carefully for hidden embers or smoldering fires. With the blaze officially contained, firefighters continue to conduct suppression repair, Coulter said. When you wet down ash, use as little water as you can. Evacuating the area as soon as possible also helps firefighters keep roads clear of congestion, and lets them move more freely to do their job. Most standard homeowner’s policies do not cover flood damage. Fire ash may also irritate the skin, especially to those with sensitive skin. In an intense wildfire, they will not have time to knock on every door. The fire had remained 95% contained for two weeks, with the last bits of the fire burning in a remote area filled with rugged terrain, Coulter said. Use a damp cloth or wet mop on lightly dusted areas. This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and it helps protect your home from catching fire—either from direct flame contact or radiant heat. If you need assistance evacuating or sheltering livestock please call (970) 244-1835. - The fire, which is now 7% contained, is burning in a remote area approximately 18 miles north of Grand Junction, Colorado, and has burned nearly 24,000 acres as of August 9, according to the Bureau of Land Management. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Pine Gulch Fire Burning Near Grand Junction Is Now 2nd Largest Fire In Colorado History By Ben Warwick August 19, 2020 at 1:22 pm Filed Under: Grand Junction News , Mesa County News , Pine Gulch Fire