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Town of Ordway (Crowley County) – Wildfire - 4/16/08

Report Date/Time: April 16th, 4:30pm MST
Location: Ordway (Crowley County)
Event Start Date/Time: Apr 15th, 2pm

Agencies Involved: County/local fire departments along with law enforcement agencies, Colorado Department of Agriculture, Colorado Department of Corrections, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado Division of Emergency Management, Colorado Division of Fire Safety, Colorado Division of Housing, Colorado Division of Local Government, Colorado State Patrol, Rocky Mountain Coordination Center, State Forest Service, Adventist Community Service, American Red Cross, and Salvation Army.

State Assistance Anticipated: The Colorado Department of Agriculture is providing assistance in the rendering of those animals (200 goats, twelve calves, two horses, discovered thus far) that were killed in the fire. The Colorado Division of Housing has established a help line for the residents to help identify the needs of those who lost their homes and to offer possible solutions. One of these solutions is to offer rental assistance vouchers. Other assistance will be determined based upon the on-going needs damage assessment.

Deaths/Major Injuries: The investigation continues into the deaths of the two volunteer fire fighters on April 15th.

Damage: The current estimated acreage burned remains at 8,900. The initial damage assessment reports that 24 homes were destroyed in and around the Town of Ordway, the assessment continues. Power has been restored to the Town. It is estimated that power will be restored to outlying areas by the end of April 17th.

Current Status: As of this afternoon, the fire is 100% contained. Law enforcement and fire service agencies are being demobilized and returning to their home bases. State Forest Service assets will remain in the area and respond to any possible flair-ups throughout the night. Many residents have returned to their homes. For those whose homes were destroyed, the shelters in Sugar City and Crowley are being consolidated and reestablished at the high school in Ordway.

The investigation continues into the cause of this fire.

The possibility of obtaining federal assistance is being researched.

Several commercial corporations have offered assistance and donations. Local officials are working on identifying their needs and with coordinate their actions with these corporations.

Future Threats: The cold front is starting to move into the region, which will assist in extinguishing of the fire.

Unified Command Jurisdiction/Location: Crowley County Sheriff’s Office.