Wildland Fire Season -Sand Gulch Fire Update

The Wetmore Volunteer Fire Department has been busy the last few weeks training and preparing fire trucks and other equipment for a predicted busy fire season. Thursday, April 28, Gregg Goodland and other Forest Service officials, met with volunteers to discuss fire policies on Forest Service property. As it happens, the lighting-caused Sand Gulch fire was and still is burning in the San Isabel Forest, approx 5 miles SW of Wetmore. Forest Service officials have been monitoring it for the last few days.

Here is the most recent update received by Gregg Goodland:

Wildland Fire Update - April 29, 2011 10:00

From the Front Range Interagency Fire Management Center in Cañon City…

The Sand Gulch Fire on the San Isabel National Forest experienced increased activity yesterday resulting in a small smoke column that was seen from Wetmore, Florence and Pueblo.

The fire was detected on 4/26/2011 and is located approximately 5 miles southwest of Wetmore, in Custer County. This morning, the fire is approximately 20 acres in size.

This fire was lightning caused, and is being managed to achieve multiple objectives while providing for public and firefighter safety. This management strategy allows fire to play its natural role in the ecosystem and reduce fuel buildup. Firefighters are taking perimeter control actions on the south and east flanks of the fire.

There are approximately 50 firefighters working the fire.

Today, the fire is likely to see increased activity due to forecasted low relative humidity and higher winds. Snow is forecasted over the fire area on Saturday.

As the fire activity increases, more information will be available through Public Information Officers who will provide specific contact phone numbers. An Update will be sent out as significant new information becomes available.