Bull Gulch Fire now at 30% Containment, Mop-up Operations Underway
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CAÑON CITY, Colo. – Fire crews began mop-up operations today, bringing the fire containment to 30 percent. Despite some trees torching this morning the fire is now smoldering and producing minimal smoke. It is burning in brush, piñon, juniper and ponderosa pine forests. The fire is located nine miles northeast of Cotopaxi in Fremont County. Because of progress on the fire, crews are slowly being released to be available on other fires if needed. Approximately 100 personnel, including air and ground crews are still working on the fire.
No structures have been lost but the Texas Creek Trail system remains closed. Approximately 30 residences within a three-mile radius of Snow Drift Lane were put on pre-evacuation notice late Wednesday. No other pre-evacuations or evacuations at this time. Please contact the Fremont County Sheriff’s office for any additional evacuation information.
The heavy smoke visible Thursday and Friday in the Cañon City area is not from the Bull Gulch Fire. Due to high fire activity throughout the state and wind direction, smoke has drifted in from the West Fork Fire Complex in the San Juan National Forest near Wolf Creek Pass.
The cause of the Bull Gulch Fire is unknown.
Bull Gulch Fire Statistics at a Glance:
- Time/Date Started: June 19, 2013 approximately 1 p.m.
- Location: Fremont County, Colorado
- Cause: Under Investigation
- Fuels: Piñon, Juniper, Ponderosa Pine
- Size: 150 acres
- Containment: 30%
- Resources committed: 100 personnel including four, 20-person hand crews, 5 smoke jumpers, two helicopters, and two type 6 fire engines.
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