East Fork Fire PM Update: Friday, August 28 2020
Contact:
Caley Fisher | Public Information Officer
caley.fisher@state.co.us | 720.391.1565
Acres: 1,100
Containment: 10%
Date Started: 8/22/2020
Cause/Origin: Lightning/Natural
Location: 11 miles SE of Trinidad, CO. 1.5 miles from CO/NM border
Incident Commander: Larry Long, DFPC Battalion Chief
August 28, 2020: The East Fork Fire saw an increase in acreage today and is now 1,100 acres maintaining 10% containment. Please click here to view footage from the Multi Mission Aircraft flight this morning (8/28). The fire has moved further to the south and west, see map attached and above.
Due to the increase in acreage and complexity of the fire, the East Fork Fire has qualified for State Responsibility The East Fork Fire will be managed under the direction of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC).
Evacuations of Sugarite Canyon State Park have been ordered. The park is located on the Colorado–New Mexico state line 6 miles northeast of Raton, New Mexico. Although the fire remains in Colorado, a watershed near Raton, NM is threatened and has seen some impact above Lake Dorothy. The fire has not reached the main watershed of Lake Moloya; the watershed remains a top priority after life safety.
Aircraft and ground resources continue to use a full suppression strategy where safely possible to do so and minimize impacts on private land. Crews will continue to utilize indirect line and burnout operations for the majority of the fire.
Agencies involved include the DFPC, Hoehne Volunteer Fire Department, Las Animas County, and the Las Animas County Sheriff. 55 total personnel are fighting the fire and aerial support in the form of two large air tankers (LAT), two UH-60 Blackhawks from the Colorado Air National Guard, Air Attack, and a Multi Mission Aircraft. Additional DFPC Engines and Modules will arrive today and tomorrow.
Safety is the number one priority and as such, strategies moving forward include maintaining firefighter and public safety by utilizing sound risk management actions and utilizing suppression activities that guide the fire into natural barriers. Additionally, minimizing the potential impacts of COVID-19 through the practice of social distancing, proper personal hygiene, and regular cleaning.
Receive Alerts-Sign Up For Code Red! To sign up for CodeRed, go to trinidad.co.gov, click on the Public Safety tab, then click CodeRed and follow the instructions. If you do not have internet, please go to the Police Station, M-F 8-5 and ask to sign up!
Fire Restrictions: As a reminder, Stage 1 Fire restrictions are in effect in Las Animas County. This is due not only to the potential for high winds, but the moisture content of potential fuels at lower elevations as well as the limited resources available to combat a large-scale fire due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Learn more at https://www.lasanimascounty.net/.
Donations being accepted: Fire crews battling the East Fork Fire are in need of cases of bottled water, nonperishable food items, and supplies like these listed below:
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eye drops
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face wipes
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bottled water
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granola bars (no chocolate chips)
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energy bars
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protein bars
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beef jerky
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sunscreen
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Gold Bond powder
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sports drinks
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chapstick
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peanut butter
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mixed nuts
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dried fruit
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toothpaste (travel size)
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toothbrushes
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mouthwash
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cotton socks
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powdered milk
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gallon Ziplock bags
Please do not donate food items that melt e.g., chocolate. All items must be in their original packaging.Please drop off your donations at these locations:
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Fire Station 1 – 1605 Santa Fe Trail
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Fire Station 2 – 1102 Nevada Avenue
For questions about donations, please contact: donations@allthings81082.news or call/text 719-422-3481
Saturday and Sunday will have 1 update each day and will return to 2 updates a day, as deemed necessary.
