As of late, sunsets have been spectacularly colorful and horizon lines remain hazy. The air carries a distinct scent many associate with camping — some with fear — and air quality ratings oscillate between moderate to hazardous. Understandably, wildfire is at the top of many folks’ minds. And it’s no surprise that the Roaring Fork […]
wildfire
Posted inNews
Coulter Creek Fire quickly contained
Around 11am on Sunday, Aug. 3, Carbondale and Rural Fire Protection District (CRFPD) responded to a wildfire in the Missouri Heights area. “Upon arrival, firefighters found an active fire burning in grass, pine trees, juniper trees and sage, and spreading at high speed. The brigades immediately began extinction work from the ground, as air resources […]
Posted inBreaking News
Coulter Creek Fire updates
Aug. 4 updates Final update (4pm): “Firefighters have concluded their work on the Coulter Creek Fire. The fire is 100% contained,” according to Carbondale Fire. “Firefighters will continue to patrol the fire area over the next few days to watch for any remaining hot spots or flare‑ups.” County Road 113 is reopen. The investigation into […]
Posted inLocal Government
CRFPD considers asking taxpayers for support
With snowpack and river reports indicating a very dry summer, wildfire is, yet again, at the top of people’s minds. And the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District (CRFPD) is doing everything it can to prepare for — and prevent — wildfires, while balancing increasing daily call volumes. To keep up with demand, its board […]
Posted inNews
Carbondale Fire invites you to April 29 wildfire preparedness meeting
On Tuesday, April 29, the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District (Carbondale Fire) will host a wildfire preparedness meeting at the station, 301 Meadowood Drive. There will be real-time Spanish interpretation available during the meeting. Pablo Herr, the assistant fire chief at Carbondale Fire, has been with the agency for 15 years and volunteered with […]
Posted inNews
Scuttlebutt & Calendar
Forest Service attritionWhite River Forest Supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams is resigning from his position after 15 years. Fitzwilliams is among other federal employees, including Deputy Supervisor Heather Noel, to reportedly have opted into a deferred resignation early buyout program — retaining all pay and benefits until Sept. 30. According to Vail Daily, as many as 20 […]
Posted inEnvironment
Fire protection agencies focus on mitigation to confront increasing threats
With wildfires breaking records for acreage and destruction and insurance prices steadily climbing in recent years, firefighters are shifting their approach to fire management. These days, it’s normal to see regular headlines about small lightning-sparked or other accidental wildfires being allowed to burn. Firefighters are present and active when this happens. Still, instead of smothering […]
Posted inEnvironment
Increasing wildfire frequency and size have insurance in jeopardy
Another July in the books, and with it, many wildfires. Smoky air weighs not just on our lungs but also on our minds. As wildfire frequency and damage have increased in recent decades, homeowners and renters alike have begun reconsidering how to protect themselves against the possibility of fires starting close to home. As of […]
Posted inNews, Uncategorized
It’s elemental: fire, lightning, wind and water
Fire and water are opposites, but when it comes to weather, they are interconnected. Large wildfires can generate their own weather systems. Weather travels through vertical columns in a convective process, but fire and weather are almost cyclical in nature as they create and destroy one another. Wildland fire communities partner with the National Oceanic […]