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Fossil Beds Fire
FLORISSANT FOSSIL BEDS NATIONAL MONUMENT, CO
Wildland Fire
Started on or about
03/03/2009 (Afternoon)
Status as of
03/07/2009
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Location
East side & south Lower Twin Rock Road (CO)
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Resources Committed
Rocky Mountain National Park, Alpine Hot Shots, and Black Hills N.F. Hot Shots. Equipment on site includes 1 Type 3 and 1 Type 6 engine.
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Estimated Containment Date
3/13/09
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Park Status
Burn area remains closed. All roads are open and the remainder of the park is operating normally.
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Updates on Fire
The burned area received an inch of snow last night and this morning. There has been patrols checking for hot spots in the last 24 hours. The fire is controlled as of 12:00 PM EST.
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Overview
Dry, Windy conditions contributed to quickly moving flames spreading though grassland and into the forest. An imediate response by cooperating agencies was able to build a fire line to contain smoldering duff and hot spots. All but 1/2 acre of the burned area is contained within the Monument.
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Last 24-hour Activity
Suppression by hand crews to contain the fire. Enhancement of fire line and close monitoring. Cooler overnight temps helped to slow fire activity.
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Strategy
100% suppression from direct attack at the fire edge. Crews will continue to patrol for hot spots.
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Vegetation Affected
Ponderosa pine
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Air / Smoke Issues
Successful fuel reduction treatment in the past reduced combustable materials, so there has been little smoke.
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Benefits of the Burn
Successful containment of this fire is directly related to fuels reduction projects done in recent years. There was a minimal amount of debris, dense understory and snags to add to fuels. From a resource management objective, this fire will contribute to a healthy Ponderosa forest ecosystem recovery.
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Values to be Protected
Due to the successful management of this fire, adverse impacts to archaeological and paleontological sites were minimized.
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Partners Involved
Florissant VFD, Teller County Sheriff, USFS Pike National Forest - South Park Ranger District, BLM, Cascade VFD, NE Teller County FD, Americorps, Juniper Valley, Rocky Mountain National Park, Divide VFD, Mtn Communities VFD, Four Mile VFD.
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Contact Information
Jeff Wolin and Shawn Frizzell
Phone Number: 719-748-3253
Shawn_Frizzell@NPS.gov
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