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SITUATION REPORT 2007-2b
New Castle Fire

Previous SITREPs posted at: http://dola.colorado.gov/dem/operations/sitreps/sitreps.htm
Press Releases posted at: http://dola.colorado.gov/dem/Press/press_releases.htm

Report Date: June 22, 2007

Event Type: Wildfire ( New Castle)

Situation: The fire is now estimated to be 90% contained. The burned acreage has been revised to approximately 1,240. No additional injuries have been reported. The fire continues to be fought with 300 hand crew personnel and two helicopters (1-Type I, 1-Type II). All other aircraft are being demobilized.

The Type II Incident Management Team (Blume) is still in charge of the incident but discussions are taking place to turn the incident over to a Type III team.

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office has allowed some, but not all, of the evacuees return to their homes. A decision will be made later today concerning for the remaining residents. Deputies have closed Highway 6, which is the frontage road along I-70, between the Canyon Creek exit and the New Castle exit. The fire has been burning in an area north of I-70 between mile marker 107 and 108.

This fire is now being reported on the National Fire News.

Weather Report:Today: Isolated dry thunderstorms in the afternoon, partly cloudy, with a high near 93 degrees. North northwest wind between 5 and 10 mph. Tonight: A slight chance of dry thunderstorms before 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 52 degrees. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast. Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. East wind 5 to 15 mph becoming west northwest.

Agencies Involved: Aspen Fire District, Bureau of Land Management, Burning Mountains Fire District, Carbondale Fire District, Division of Emergency Management, Garfield County OEM, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Glenwood Springs Fire District, Rifle Fire District, Snow Mass Fire District, State Forest Service, and Westcare Ambulance

Additional Assistance Requested: No State-level assistance is being requested at this time.

Misc. Info: Mesa County reports that a grass fire began on the evening of June 21, 2007 northeast of the City of Grand Junction resulting in the destruction of three homes and one out building. No injuries were reported. Reverse 911 was used to contact approximately 50 homes in the vicinity. At one point Colorado Highway 65 was closed in both directions. The fire burned approximately 10 acres.

Whittaker Flats Fire was 100 per cent contained at 1,016 acres on 6-20. The fire was located 11 miles east of Grand Junction, Colorado in Mesa County.