Jordan Fire Update
Incident: Jordan Wildland Fire
Released: 8/28/2008
MEEKER, Colo. - The Jordan Fire seven miles northwest of Meeker was ignited by lightning Aug. 25 and has grown to 500 acres. It is located in the rugged Windy Gulch Wilderness Study Area of Meeker. Fire personnel observed fire activity mainly on the east side Wednesday.
The Southwest Interagency Fire Use Management Team assumed management of the fire Thursday, August 28. The team will work closely with local White River BLM staff in Meeker and other Northwest Colorado Fire Management Unit personnel to define long term management strategies for the fire.
The Northwest Colorado Fire Management Unit is one of 30 sites this season testing proposed modifications to the Federal Wildland Fire Implementation Policy. The proposed changes allow managers a full range of management options on fires started by lightning on federal lands.
An important proposed change in the policy is being able to manage a fire with more than one objective. Applying this proposed change to the Jordan Fire gives managers the authority and flexibility to switch management gears and handle the fire based on positive land management practices, values at risk, desired resource objectives and changing conditions as fire moves across the landscape.
Under the pilot program, managers have identified specific locations where actions will be taken to stop fire progression. Currently, these actions are scheduled to take place on the east side near private property. Conversely, on the west side of the fire, personnel will monitor progression and allow the fire to spread within the Wilderness Study Area.
Wednesday, personnel worked on the south and east sides building containment lines. In addition, personnel assessed structures in the area that may need protection from future fire spread.
Forty-eight personnel from several agencies are assigned to the fire including BLM, US Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife and Colorado State. Rio Blanco County Emergency Services is also available to provide assistance on the incident.
###
