Big Meadows Fire Evening Update June 13 - 30 Percent Containment

Date: June 13, 2013
Contact: Kyle Patterson, [phone]

Following today's assessment by fire staff, the Big Meadows Fire remains at an estimated 333 acres and 30% containment. 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 tomorrow, June 14, 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.

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 remains no imminent threat to any communities or structures; Rocky Mountain National Park remains open.

Currently seven trails 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. Trail closures do affect a section of the Continental Divide Trail that passes through the park. All major roads and facilities in Rocky Mountain National Park are open as are our neighboring communities of Grand Lake and Estes Park.

The park has set up a recorded Fire Information Line at [phone] which will be updated when new information on the Big Meadows Fire is available. Additional information is available at www.inciweb.org.