Jordan Fire Update August 30
Incident: Jordan Wildland Fire
Released: 8/30/2008
Aug. 30, 2008
Contact: Punky Moore, Public Information Officer, (530) 228-0299
Jordan Fire Update
MEEKER, Colo. - The Jordan Fire started Aug. 25 seven miles northwest of Meeker. It has grown to 834 acres with 15 percent contained. It is positioned in the rugged Windy Gulch Wilderness Study Area managed by the BLM White River Field Office.
The percentage contained reflects the portion of the fire where suppression actions are being taken on the east side to stop fire spread. The containment information will not include other areas of the fire that are being managed for resource benefits.
Friday, personnel observed increased fire activity on the west side with short range spotting, upslope runs and groups of trees torching. On the east side, air tankers dropped retardant on hot spots as personnel held and secured the existing fireline. Structure protection continued on the south side and County Road 7.
The Northwest Colorado Fire Management Unit is participating in a pilot program this season testing proposed changes to the Federal Wildland Fire Implementation Policy. These changes allow managers a full range of management options on fires started by lightning on federal lands. The decision to suppress portions of the fire to protect private property and infrastructure while managing other areas for resource benefits is consistent with the guidelines of the pilot program.
Throughout the duration of the incident, management actions will be based on current and predicted fire behavior, desired land and resource objectives, values at risk and changing conditions, with firefighter and public safety the cornerstone of all activities.
There is a significant chance of measurable precipitation Sunday and Monday. Sixty-seven personnel from several agencies are assigned to the fire including BLM, US Forest Service, National Park Service, and Colorado State. Rio Blanco County Emergency Services is also available to provide assistance on the incident.
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NOTE: The pilot, John Best of Phoenix, AZ, hurt in Wednesday's airplane crash has been released from the hospital. The crash occurred on the 10 acre Flat Bush Fire, which was 20 miles northwest of Meeker. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
