Evacuations to be lifted this afternoon for Bocco Fire; containment reaches 20 percent

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Fire: Bocco Fire                                             Containment: 20%

Acres: 415                                                      Start Date: June 9, 2018                                                                               

Cause: Unknown                                            Location: 3 miles NW of Wolcott, CO 

Total Personnel: 140                        Fuels/Topography: Pinyon/Juniper, brushy fuels

                                                                                 

Summary: Despite critical fire weather on Sunday, crews and air resources were able to hold the fire to the west of Highway 131, to the south of Alkali Creek Road and to the north of Horse Mountain Road. Today, the fire is expected to back and creep towards existing containment lines on the north flank of the fire. Crews will continue mopping up and extinguishing any hot spots along the south and west edges of the existing perimeter.

“We’re working hard to limit new fire growth to the north by strengthening existing containment lines,” said Incident Commander, Jeremy Spetter. “Weather permitting, we’ll be able to keep gaining on this one.”

Yesterday, air operations were suspended due to an Unmanned Air System (UAS) flying in the vicinity of the fire. Unauthorized drone flights pose serious risks to firefighter and public safety and the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. Fire managers would like to remind the public; if you fly, we can’t.

While slightly higher humidity is predicted, conditions will still be dry, hot, and breezy through Monday.

Smoke: Smoke is anticipated to be less today and will likely disperse to the east along the I-70 corridor. For more information on smoke and air quality please visit:https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colo_advisory.aspx

Evacuations: The evacuation order remains in place for all persons living, working, or travelling in the vicinity of Alkali Creek Neighborhood. This evacuation order will remain in effect until 1:00 p.m. this afternoon. Residents of this area will be able to return to their homes after 1:00 p.m. Power has been restored to this area.

Please keep in mind that this fire is not fully contained and an evacuation alert is still in place. Residents should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

Closures: Highway 131 is currently open, but may close if needed for fire suppression efforts and public safety. Access to the Eagle County Landfill will remain open even if Highway 131 is closed.

Milk Creek Road and Horse Mountain Road are currently open. Please be aware that segments of Horse Mountain Road are being used for fire operations and emergency vehicles may be present on the road way.

Fire Information:

Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5835

Text Message: text “follow EagleCountySO” to 40404

Facebook: @EagleCountySO

Twitter: @EagleCountySO

Fire Information Phone: 970-414-0843

#BoccoFire

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