SHED (Greasewood) Fire Update July 19th, 2019 @ 6:30pm PIO – somedia@rbc.us Location: 24 miles west of Meeker, COCause: LightningPercent containment: 0%Start date: Thursday, July 18, 2019Size: 175 acresVegetation: Juniper and pinyonResources: Meeker Fire Rescue, BLMFire activity: Hot dry winds have not helped today, the objective is to secure west link, improve south link, let the fire progress to east for manageable terrain. Terrain on the East side is making lines almost impossible. Type 2 IA (Initial Attack) team come in Saturday July 20th.Safety: Motorists are advised to avoid the incident area due to heavy traffic along roads in the vicinity, impacting County Road 76 and County Road 22. Weather: Friday-Critical fire weather conditions are expected across portions of northwest Colorado today as dry and windy conditions develop this afternoon and evening. Saturday through Thursday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms will develop each afternoon and evening beginning Saturday and continuing through at least mid next week. Lightning and gusty winds will be the main threats with storms.Smoke Impacts: Smoke within the Piceance and White River Valley area is likely to be seen for the duration of operations. For information on smoke impacts to air quality, visit Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colo_smoke.aspx Public health recommendations for areas affected by smoke: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and the elderly. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. IF VISIBILITY IS LESS THAN 5 MILES IN SMOKE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD, SMOKE HAS REACHED LEVELS THAT ARE UNHEALTHY.
CRAIG — Crews spent much of Friday battling a wildfire west of Meeker, according to a Friday evening news release from Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office.
The Shed Fire near Greasewood Gulch about 24 miles west of Meeker was estimated to be at least 175 acres, according to the release.
The lightning-caused blaze began Thursday afternoon. It has seen a response from Meeker Fire & Rescue and Bureau of Land Management at the site near Rio Blanco County Road 76 and CR 22. Motorists have been advised to steer clear.
“Hot dry winds have not helped today, the objective is to secure west link, improve south link, let the fire progress to east for manageable terrain. Terrain on the East side is making lines almost impossible,” the release said of Friday’s progress.
The release also noted that a Type 2 IA (Initial Attack) team will come in today and added that “critical fire weather conditions are expected across portions of Northwest Colorado” with dry and windy conditions and the potential for isolated showers and thunderstorms developing each afternoon in coming days.
“Smoke within the Piceance and White River Valley area is likely to be seen for the duration of operations,” the release said.
