Jordan Fire Update Aug 31
Incident: Jordan Wildland Fire
Released: 8/31/2008
Aug. 31, 2008
Contact: Punky Moore, Public Information Officer, (530) 228-0299
Jordan Fire Update
MEEKER, Colo. - Fire activity decreased Saturday on the Jordan Fire as cloudy, cooler conditions arrived. Rain started Sunday morning and is expected to continue through Monday, which should further limit fire activity and growth.
The fire is seven miles northwest of Meeker in the Windy Gulch Wilderness Study Area. It is estimated at 971 acres with 50 percent contained.
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.
When the fire started, managers decided to use an Appropriate Management Response strategy to manage the fire for multiple objectives. This decision is consistent with a pilot program that the Northwest Colorado Fire Management Unit is participating in this season. The program is testing some proposed changes to the Federal Wildland Fire Implementation Policy that will allow a full range of management actions on a fire started by lightning on federal land.
Personnel continue to hold and secure the east side of the fire that is nearest to private property and infrastructure. On the west side, the fire is being allowed to burn for resource benefits as it moves from East Jordan Gulch toward West Jordan Gulch. Some of the resource benefits from the Jordan Fire include wildlife habitat improvement, hazardous fuel reduction and healthy ecosystem restoration.
Personnel will be especially mindful of strong, unpredictable winds that may accompany thunderstorms.
Resources are beginning to be released due to the decrease in fire activity. Resources currently assigned to the fire include six engines, one helicopter and sixty-nine personnel representing the 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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