Big Meadows Fire to be Transitioned to the Type III Interagency Team

In the final update on the Big Meadows Fire in Rocky Mountain National Park, fire managers announced on Inciweb this morning that they will begin the process of transitioning management of the fire back to the Type III interagency team. Though fire crews have built secure fire lines, interior burning within the Big Meadows Fire may still occasionally be seen throughout the summer, until a significant weather event puts the fire out. Fire managers will continue to monitor the fire until they are confident it's completely out.

The park is likely to see a change in the weather over the next two days, and particularly this afternoon. The forecast calls for winds of 20 to 30 mph out of the southwest, with gusts reaching as high as 40 mph. Temperatures will be slightly higher, accompanied by lower relative humidity. It's possible that pockets of heat in the fire interior may produce visible smoke.

The Big Meadows Fire is now considered to be 95% contained, and the fire remains at 604 acres.

Inciweb also noted in a separate release that on the morning of Sunday, June 16th, a firefighter walking with his crew from field spike camp to the fireline, collapsed due to sudden cardiac arrest during the Big Meadows Fire. Prompt action by the firefighter’s crew in administering CPR, and the rapid response of fire-line Paramedics that arrived minutes later, contributed to the successful resuscitation of the patient, Luther E. Larkin, Sr. Mr. Larkin, 51, is a senior crew member of the Horseshoe Meadow Type I Interagency Hotshots based out of Sequoia National Forest in California.

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) was used on site to resuscitate him. The presence of an AED, and the availability of advanced medical care on the fireline was critical to reviving him and obtaining a pulse.

Fellow crew members then transported Luther to the nearest heli-spot just as the requested medevac helicopter arrived on scene. He was then transferred to the medical flight crew and taken to a cardiac care hospital in Denver,Colorado.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Big Meadows Fire is now 95% Contained

During the day, operations staff on the Big Meadows Fire provided support for initial attack response to a 1/10 acre fire on Keyser Ridge approximately 15 miles to the south/southwest of the incident helibase. The medium helicopter assigned to the Big Meadows Fire was used for initial attack response.

Operations for tomorrow will emphasize monitoring within the fire perimeter and back-hauling of equipment. Fire-fighting resources on the fire tomorrow, June 18th, will include two wildland fire modules of eight fire-fighters each and two fire engines. The incident will retain the use of one ‘air attack’ light plane, two light helicopters, and one medium helicopter.

The weather pattern for tomorrow, June 18th, will be similar to that experienced today. High temperatures will approach the lower 70s, relative humidity will be moderate, and winds will be generally 10-15 mph in the early morning, with gusts in the late afternoon that approach 30 mph. A chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon may bring erratic winds to the area with likely less moisture than those that have occurred in the last two days.

All backcountry overnight campsites will reopen in the Timber Creek drainage beginning tomorrow, June 18th. As usual, permits are required to camp in the backcountry of Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail closures will continue in effect for the Onahu Trail, the Green Mountain Trail, and the lower Tonahutu Trail. Trail closures do affect a section of the Continental Divide Trail that passes through the park. Visitors to the park should check the Rocky Mountain National Park website for the latest information regarding trail closures and alerts: www.nps.gov/romo.

All major roads and facilities in Rocky Mountain National Park are open as are our neighboring communities of Grand Lake and Estes Park. Visitors are strongly cautioned to be aware of increased traffic and aircraft associated with the fire. Keep alert, don’t get hurt.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Big Meadows Fire Update: Grows to 603 Acres, But is 60% Contained

Following Friday's burnout operation, and the reinforcement of containment lines by crews working the Big Meadows Fire in Rocky Mountain National Park yesterday afternoon, the fire is now considered to be 60% contained and encompasses 603 acres according to the latest Inciweb update this morning.

Operations for today will emphasize the continued reinforcement of containment lines and rehabilitation of areas where crews were required to fall trees. Crews have emphasized 'minimum impact suppression tactics' during their effort to suppress the fire and will continue to do so during rehabilitation. Throughout the incident, air operations has used best management practices to prevent the cross-contamination of watersheds related to water use on the fire.

Fire-fighting resources on the fire today, June 16, will include two wildland fire modules of eight fire-fighters each, four interagency 20-person Type I hotshot crews, and two fire engines. Available air resources include two 'air attack' small planes used for fire reconnaissance, two light helicopters, a medium helicopter, and one large heavy helicopter. A National Guard Blackhawk helicopter remains on standby to assist fire operations in the event of a medical emergency. As containment lines are strengthened and rehabilitation progresses, it is likely that resources will begin to be reassigned to other fires in the region.

Weather for today will be similar to that experienced yesterday; high temperatures will approach 70 degrees, relative humidity will be moderate, winds will be generally 8-10 mph with gusts in the afternoon that approaching 30 mph. This pattern will likely persist for the next three days. An approaching high pressure system arriving to the area Wednesday, however, may bring higher temperatures, lower humidity, and erratic winds that may increase fire danger. The growth potential of this fire remains extreme.

The Timber Lake Trail will be open for day use only. Closures will continue in effect for the Onahu Trail, the Green Mountain Trail, and the lower Tonahutu Trail. Trail closures do affect a section of the Continental Divide Trail that passes through the park.

The Big Meadows fire continues to pose no imminent threat to any communities or structures; Rocky Mountain National Park remains open. All major roads and facilities in Rocky Mountain National Park are open as are the neighboring communities of Grand Lake and Estes Park.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Some Closures Lifted for Trails Impacted by Big Meadows Fire

The InciWeb page for the Big Meadows Fire is reporting tonight that closures will be lifted at 8:00 AM tomorrow, Saturday, June 15th, for five of the seven previously closed trailheads within the vicinity of the Big Meadows Fire. Trails that will open include: the two Tonahutu Spur Trails (one beginning at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center, the other near the North Inlet trailhead), the Grand Lake Lodge Spur Trail, the Timber Lake Trail, and the trail which branches toward Mount Ida from Milner Pass.

The Timber Lake Trail will be open for day use only. Closures remain in effect for the Onahu Trail, the Green Mountain Trail, and the lower Tonahutu Trail. Trail closures do affect a section of the Continental Divide Trail that passes through the park.

This afternoon, fire crews conducted a burnout operation to strengthen fire lines and reduce fuels along the southern flank of the fire in the Tonahutu Creek drainage. Smoke was visible in the communities of Estes Park, Grand Lake, and Granby. The objective of the firing operation was to prevent movement of the fire to the south, across the Tonahutu Creek. Acreage of the fire will likely expand following tonight's flight to map the fire using thermal imagery. Initial assessments indicate that the firing operation successfully strengthened the southern flank of the fire.

The fire remains at 353 acres in size, and is 30% contained.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Big Meadows Fire Now 30% Contained

Following yesterday's assessment by fire staff, the Big Meadows Fire in Rocky Mountain National Park remains at an estimated 333 acres, and is now 30% contained. Hand crews constructed and strengthened fire lines along the northwest flank of the fire; crews working along Tonahutu Creek continued efforts to install hose lays to strengthen containment along the southern flank of the fire.

Fire-fighting resources on the fire today will include an initial attack module of seven fire-fighters, two interagency 20-person Type I hotshot crews, two interagency 20-person Type II handcrews, and five fire engines. Available air resources include two 'air attack' small planes used for fire reconnaissance, two light helicopters, a medium helicopter, and one large heavy helicopter. A National Guard Blackhawk helicopter remains on standby to assist fire operations in the event of a medical emergency. A total of 266 firefighting personnel are now on hand.

Fire activity today was largely limited to an area on the eastern flank of the fire on south facing slopes. Little change in the weather is anticipated over the next 2-3 days, firefighters will likely experience afternoon winds of 8-12 mph with gusts to 20 mph. A chance for afternoon thunderstorms will persist throughout the weekend but these storms may bring little moisture to the area.

There are still seven trails that have been temporarily closed in the area - the Onahu Trail, the Green Mountain Trail, the lower Tonahutu Trail, the Tonahutu Spur Trail, the Grand Lake Lodge Spur Trail, the Timber Lake Trail and the trail which branches toward Mount Ida from Milner Pass.

All major roads and facilities in Rocky Mountain National Park are open - as are the neighboring communities of Grand Lake and Estes Park.

The park has set up a recorded Fire Information Line at (970) 586-1381 which will be updated when new information on the Big Meadows Fire is available.

The weather forecast for today for the Grand Lake area calls for a mix of clouds and sun. A stray afternoon thunderstorm is possible. High 76F. West winds shifting to SE at 10 to 15 mph. The chance of rain is 20%.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Big Meadows Fire Update - Estimated Size Lowered to 333 Acres

At 6:00 AM this morning the Rocky Mountain Area Incident Management Team A , Shane Del Grosso Incident Commander, accepted management of the Big Meadows Fire. An Incident Command Post has been established at the Granby High School.

The Big Meadows Fire is located approximately five miles north of the community of Grand Lake, and three miles east of Trail Ridge Road (Highway 34). The fire was caused by lightning and is burning in mixed conifer forest types with a component of beetle-killed trees in lodgepole pine.

Based on a flight last night to map the perimeter of the fire using thermal imagery, the size of the fire has been more accurately estimated at 333 acres. Fire-fighting resources on the fire now include a National Park Service initial attack module of seven persons, two interagency 20-person hotshot crews, and ten fire engines. Available air resources include an 'air attack' small plane used for reconnaissance, three light helicopters, a medium helicopter, and one large heavy helicopter.

There has been little significant fire activity in the last 24 hours. Activity has been limited to hot-spots of downed fuels with isolated tree torching. Fire-fighters will concentrate efforts today within two divisions, one working primarily on the northwest flank of the fire and another working along the southern flank. Fire-fighters along the southern flank will be installing firehose lays to support efforts to strengthen containment along Tonahutu Creek. Afternoon winds are expected to be between 12-18 mph with gusts to 30 mph today with a chance of thunderstorms after 2:00 p.m. The management objective is to hold the fire east of Trail Ridge Road (Highway 34), west of the Continental Divide, and north of Tonahutu Creek.

There is no imminent threat to any communities or structures and Rocky Mountain National Park remains open. However, to ensure public and fire-fighter safety , there are currently seven trails that are temporarily closed in the area – the Onahu Trail, the Green Mountain Trail, the lower Tonahutu Trail, the Tonahutu Spur Trail, the Grand Lake Lodge Spur Trail, the Timber Lake Trail and the trail which branches toward Mount Ida from Milner Pass. All major roads and facilities in Rocky Mountain National Park are open as are our neighboring communities of Grand Lake and Estes Park.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Big Meadows Fire Grows To 600 Acres

The Big Meadows Fire grew to an estimated 600 acres with no containment as of last night.  Winds were not as strong yesterday, which resulted in less fire activity and spread. Firefighters conducted numerous recon flights which will be crucial in planning efforts. The fire is burning in remote, steep, rugged terrain with extensive hazards and more than 80 percent beetle killed trees. The plan continues to be to hold the fire east of Trail Ridge Road (Highway 34), west of the Continental Divide, and north of Tonahutu Creek. There are no structures or communities at immediate risk.

A map published on InciWeb yesterday shows the fire is currently located just north of Granite Falls, and towards the east of Big Meadows, roughly 4.5 miles from the Green Mountain Trailhead.

There are 107 firefighters currently on the Big Meadows Fire plus the Type II team who will be taking over command of the fire from the Boise Smokejumper Type III team this morning. Air resources include one Type I helicopter, one Type II helicopter and two Type III helicopters. Many firefighters planned to camp out near the fire last night in order to get an early morning start to continue with fire suppression tactics.

A challenge continues to be filling additional Type I crews. Due to other fires in Colorado, as well as in other states that are impacting communities and homes, resources are being spread across the nation.

There are now seven trails that have been temporarily closed in the area - the Onahu Trail, the Green Mountain Trail, the lower Tonahutu Trail, the Tonahutu Spur Trail, the Grand Lake Lodge Spur Trail, the Timber Lake Trail and the trail which branches toward Mount Ida from Milner Pass.

All major roads and facilities in Rocky Mountain National Park are open as are the neighboring communities of Grand Lake and Estes Park.

The park has set up a recorded Fire Information Line at (970) 586-1381 which will be updated when new information on the Big Meadows Fire is available.

The weather forecast for today for the Grand Lake area calls variable clouds with scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly during the afternoon hours. High 78F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph, and the chance of rain is 40%.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Update on Big Meadows Fire - 2 More Trails Closed

The Big Meadows Fire remained at 400 acres overnight. Firefighters are planning an indirect attack today due to the high number of beetle killed trees that make moving through the area very difficult and dangerous. The plan is to hold the fire east of Trail Ridge Road (Highway 34), west of the Continental Divide, and north of Tonahutu Creek. There are no structures or communities at risk.

A map published today on InciWeb shows the fire is currently located just north of Granite Falls, and towards the east of Big Meadows, roughly 4.5 miles from the Green Mountain Trailhead.

There are now seven trails that have been temporarily closed in the area - the Onahu Trail, the Green Mountain Trail, the lower Tonahutu Trail, the Tonahutu Spur Trail, the Grand Lake Lodge Spur Trail, the Timber Lake Trail and the trail which branches toward Mount Ida from Milner Pass.

All major roads and facilities in Rocky Mountain National Park are open as are the neighboring communities of Grand Lake and Estes Park.

As of this morning there were 97 personnel fighting the fire. More resources are arriving and are anticipating around 130 personnel tonight.

In addition to trail closures, InciWeb is also reporting that campgrounds have been evacuated, and 2 hikers had to be removed via helicopter.

The park has set up a recorded Fire Information Line at (970) 586-1381 which will be updated when new information on the Big Meadows Fire is available.

The weather forecast for today for the Grand Lake area calls for more warm weather, with winds expected to be around 14 mph. There's a 30% chance for an afternoon thunderstorm after 2:00 p.m.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Big Meadows Fire Increases in Size to an Estimated 300 to 400 Acres

This afternoon, due to high winds, low humidity and a large amount of beetle killed trees, the Big Meadows Fire grew from 2 to 3 acres this morning, to an estimated 300 to 400 acres throughout the day. A recon flight this afternoon showed the fire moving to the northeast towards Nakai Peak.

This morning an interagency crew consisting of Rocky Mountain National Park and US Forest Service firefighters were flown to the Big Meadows Fire located on the north end of Big Meadows on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The location is roughly 4.5 miles from the Green Mountain Trailhead in a relatively remote section of Rocky Mountain National Park west of the Continental Divide. Around 1:00 p.m. firefighters experienced extremely gusty winds that both deterred deploying smokejumpers, and increased the fire's growth. No structures or communities are threatened.

A Boise Smokejumper Type III Team has taken over management of the fire. A Type II team is on order and is expected to transition Thursday morning. Fire managers have ordered additional air and ground resources including three additional helicopters and five additional Type I crews. The Craig Hotshot Type I crew arrived this afternoon. With unfavorable weather conditions forecasted for tomorrow, the fire is expected to be active again. Additionally, due to the large amount of beetle killed trees, firefighter and visitor safety will continue to be paramount.

I hiked to Big Meadows last fall and was shocked by the amount of dead trees as a result of the mountain pine beetle infestation. At the time I estimated that at least 80% of the trees visible from the meadow were already dead:

This photo was taken from the Gore Range Overlook on Trail Ridge Road this afternoon:

Currently there are five trails temporarily closed in the area - the Onahu Trail, the Green Mountain Trail, the lower Tonahutu Trail, the Tonahutu Spur Trail and the Grand Lake Lodge Spur Trail.

The park has set up a recorded Fire Information Line at (970) 586-1381 which will be updated when new information on the Big Meadows Fire is available.

The weather forecast for tomorrow for the Grand Lake area calls for more warm, dry and windy conditions (10 to 15 MPH). A stray afternoon thunderstorm is possible.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Lightning Caused Big Meadows Fire Remains Small

Today, Tuesday, June 11, an interagency crew consisting of Rocky Mountain National Park and US Forest Service firefighters were flown to the Big Meadows Fire located on the north end of Big Meadows on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The location is roughly 4.5 miles from the Green Mountain Trailhead. The preliminary report is the fire did not grow much last night and remains at approximately 2 to 3 acres, mainly burning in grass. The fire was caused by lightning.

Although it is preferred to allow naturally occurring fires to burn for the benefit of the resource and future fire breaks, park managers have decided to suppress the fire when safe to do so. Extended drought conditions and reduced interagency resources weighed in to this decision. The capacity to manage what would likely be a long duration fire is significantly limited. As you can see in the NPS photo below, many of the trees in this area are dead as a result of the mountain pine beetle infestation:

This decision did not come easily; each fire's risk is managed individually. Park managers look at each naturally occurring fire on a case by case basis when determining how best to manage a fire.

High winds today are impacting firefighting operations but have not increased the footprint of the fire significantly. Firefighters have not seen any open flames today and the fuel moisture is relatively high. Smokejumpers are staged nearby if needed. Firefighters will be using minimum impact tools to suppress smoldering grass and other dead and down material. The area does contain beetle killed trees; snags are being removed for firefighter safety.

Currently there are five trails temporarily closed in the area - the Onahu Trail, the Green Mountain Trail, the lower Tonahutu Trail, the Tonahutu Spur Trail and the Grand Lake Lodge Spur Trail.

Today's forecast for the Grand Lake area calls for sunny weather and winds gusting from 20 to 30 MPH.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Big Meadows Fire on West Side of Rocky Mountain National Park Closes 5 Trails

A small wildfire, named the Big Meadows Fire, was burning mostly in grass on the north end of Big Meadows on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) yesterday afternoon. A few trees have also burned. The fire, caused by lightning, was estimated to be around 2 acres in size.

An interagency crew consisting of RMNP staff and US Forest Service staff hiked to the area roughly 4.5 miles from the Green Mountain Trailhead to assess the fire. They hiked back out last night. An interagency helicopter assessed the fire as well.

Fire managers were to develop plans for containment and implement a minimum impact suppression strategy for this morning. Currently there are five trails temporarily closed in the area - the Onahu Trail, the Green Mountain Trail, the lower Tonahutu Trail, the Tonahutu Spur Trail and the Grand Lake Lodge Spur Trail.

Today's forecast for the Grand Lake area calls for sunny weather and winds gusting 15 to 25 MPH.

No further information is available at this time. Park officials stated they would provide an update by noon today.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com