June 30, 2012 at 10 a.m.
MANCOS, Colo. - Fire managers will continue planned burnout operations on the Weber Fire today to burn fuels between the indirect containment lines and the active northeast edge of the fire. Yesterday's burnout operations were very successful; favorable conditions allowed firefighters to complete an estimated 500 acres. Team C Incident Commander Joe Lowe stated this morning: "We have completed a great deal of work and our job now is to finish strong and get residents back home safely."
Fire managers are prepared to continue the aerial ignition plan this morning. Aerial ignition consists of dropping fire-starting spheres (similar in size to ping pong balls) from a helicopter. These spheres will be dropped strategically so the fire will move slowly downhill into the drainages. Using aerial ignition helps protect firefighter safety in steep terrain.
Burnout operations produce significant smoke. Smoke is visible from Highway 160 and in local communities. Mancos, Hesperus, Durango, and other low-lying areas are likely to be impacted, especially during overnight and morning hours. Motorists are advised to use caution on roadways, as visibility may be limited. Persons with asthma or other breathing difficulties are advised to stay indoors or temporarily leave the area until smoke diminishes.
Crews will continue to strengthen containment lines and mop up along the rest of the fire perimeter today. The current acreage burned breakdown is:
BLM 7,245
State 899
Private 1,537
Total acres 9,681.
Containment has increased to 65 percent.
The satellite information center at the Mancos Community Center (130 Grand Avenue) will be open today from 10:30am to 5:30pm. Today is the last day that the Satellite Information Center will be open in Mancos. For road closures and evacuation information, please contact the Montezuma County Sheriff's Office at (970) 564-4999 or (970) 564-4996.
Information about this and other fires can be found at www.inciweb.org. Follow us on Twitter @weberfireinfo.
Contact: Beth Hermanson, Public Information Officer
Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team C
www.inciweb.org
Phone Number: (720) 425-5018 or (720) 219-8823
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Satellite Information Center:
(Walk-in) Mancos Community Center 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
