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| News > Fire |
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Waldo Canyon Fire
CURRENT INFORMATION
UPDATE (July 3, 4 p.m.): El Paso County has instituted Stage II Fire Restrictions and as a result, the 10 ABW Commander has instituted the following restrictions on the Air Force Academy:
- The use of charcoal grills is prohibited.
- The use of chimeneas (outdoor wood burning stoves) is also prohibited.
- Indoor fire places and/or wood burning stoves are permitted.
- The use of pyrotechnics for training (including Jack's Valley) is
- prohibited.
- The use of fireworks is prohibited.
UPDATE (July 2, 11 a.m.): Normal operations are in effect for the Academy.
The 10th Air Base Wing Commander will host Town Hall Meetings for base personnel at the Community Center Theater at 3 pm, July 2, and at 9, 12 and 3 p.m. on July 3, to discuss current status of the base, and provide information to those affected by the fire.
UPDATE (June 29, 6:50 p.m.): Although Academy personnel have been recalled and normal operations have resumed, the Waldo Canyon fire is still active and extremely dependent on weather conditions. There is no immediate threat to Academy property and Academy officials continue to monitor the situation closely.
There is a slim chance the fire will continue to spread north and smoke is likely to be visible for several weeks. Firefighters have worked for the last 72 hours improving fire breaks along the entire western border of the Academy. If the fire spreads north, Academy officials have a high degree of confidence firefighters will be able to minimize impact to the Academy.
Officials will monitor the situation over the weekend and support the overall firefighting effort. Until the threat of fire has ended, continue to monitor the news, stay in contact with your chain of command, and maintain an evacuation kit.
Message from Col. Tim Gibson, 10th Air Base Wing commander.
PREVIOUS UPDATES
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NOTICE (June 27, 11:23 a.m.): Air Force Academy employees, including military members and civil service employees, are asked to review and/or update their personal information on-line on the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System. They may access the AFPAAS site at https://afpaas.af.mil. Employees are also asked to notify their chain of command of their current status, i.e., their leave/TDY status, location, etc.
EVACUEE ENTITLEMENTS
As of June 26, 2012, all Pine Valley and Douglass Valley evacuees were directed to proceed to shelter (at no cost) or temporary lodging (reimbursable) at Fort Carson, Colo. All dormitory residents were directed to shelter at Peterson AFB (at no cost). The evacuation order was lifted June 29.
Government meals are not provided at either shelter location or temporary lodging.
Mileage entitlement will only be paid for the distance from evacuated residence to Fort Carson and return at a rate of $.555 a mile.
Should personnel choose to stay at a location other than Fort Carson (or Peterson AFB for dormitory residents); they will not be reimbursed for the lodging or additional mileage costs.
Below are the meal and incidental expense (M&IE) rates residents are entitled to while evacuated from their homes. (Note: receipts not required to claim these entitlements)
Military members, civilian employees and family members (over 12): $66/day
Military and civilian family members (under 12): $33/day
Cadets: $66/day when government meals are not available or provided
Cadets: $5/day when government or deductible meals are provided without charge
On travel days (day evacuated and day of return), the reimbursable rate is 75 percent of the above. Keep in mind, reduced meal and incidental expenses rates may apply to military and civilian employees and family members if government or deductable meals are provided with or without charge.
Details on how to claim evacuation entitlements will be released at a later date.
USAFA Households Affected:
Pine Valley - 209
Douglass Valley - 397
Total - 606
USAFA Residents Affected:
Pine Valley - 693
Douglass Valley - 1,473
Total - 2,166
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Air Force Academy leaders will evaluate Coloado Springs air quality reports and visibility to determine whether outdoor activities for Academy personnel should be limited.
Symptoms related to wildfire smoke inhalation include:
-- Irritation of the eyes, nose or throat
-- Runny eyes or nose
-- Coughing
-- Sore throat
-- Trouble breathing or tightness of the chest
-- Onset of symptoms related to pre-existing respiratory ailments, e.g., emphysema or asthma
Treatment for wildfire smoke inhalation includes:
-- Stay indoors and close windows and doors
-- Reduce your physical activity level
-- Seek out locations where air is filtered
Dust masks do not filter out the particles and gases in wildfire smoke.
Visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for more air quality information, including daily forecasts. |
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Several people have reported seeing bears as a result of the fire. More wildlife in general are coming down the mountains to escape the blaze.
Base housing residents should place all trash in bear-safe dumpsters. For information on what to do in case of a bear sighting, visit: Colorado Division of Wildlife.
Report any bear sightings to the 10th Security Forces Squadron at 719-333-2000. |
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