Delta, Colo., (June 28, 2016) – The Rosebud Fire on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests has grown to approximately 50 acres in size. A full suppression strategy is in place to aggressively fight this fire. The fire is located in steep, rugged and fairly inaccessible terrain. The suppression efforts to date include the active use of airtankers to drop retardant and the use helicopters (Type III and large capacity-Type 1) to drop water to cool the fire and slow the spread. Additionally, ground reconnaissance is occurring to determine where safety zones can be established how to safely engage ground resources in the suppression effort.
The fire is burning in continuous pine timber with heavy downed wood and vegetation (ground fuels). A Type III Incident Command Team assumed leadership of the fire this morning. This team is experienced in managing more complex fires and will continue to actively engage the fire.
Should evacuation of private lands be warranted, Gunnison County Emergency Services would initiate notice to landowners. If the residents have normal landline phones, those numbers are in the Code Red system. Code Red is Gunnison County’s version of reverse 9-1-1 technology. If the residents have VOIP or cellular phones, they need to register those numbers at: https://public.coderedweb.com/cne/en-US/BF7ED953CC69 Or go to the Gunnison County www.gunnisoncounty.org web page, under Government, click on Emergency Management, and then click on the Code Red icon. For questions or problems registering, residents can call 970-641-2481 and ask for Bobbie or Scott.
A public meeting is scheduled to be held tonight at 6 PM at the Pitkin Town Hall to provide citizens and landowners updated information on the firefighting efforts, resources and tactics.
Current staffing on the Rosebud Fire includes: two Type 1 Fire Crews (40-Hot Shots); one Type II Fire Crew (20 firefighters); Two Type VI Engines with staff; two Type III helicopters; one Type 1 helicopter (heavy) and one additional Type 1 helicopter in route; two Fire Information Officers; the Incident Commander and team; heavy airtankers and other air support resources.
When managing any wildland fire, the most important consideration is safety of the firefighters, the public and private property. In addition, PLEASE refrain from using any drones in the wildfire area. When drones fly, aerial resources cannot and this can result in affecting the ability to contain and control fire, as well as cause accidents, injury and even death for aerial and firefighter resources.
Smoke from this fire is highly visible. The public is asked to avoid stopping to look at the fire and to avoid this area for public and firefighter safety. Persons in the area with sensitivity to smoke are cautioned to take necessary accommodations. Fire smoke may affect your health. For more information see: www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.