Sunday, July 17th, 2005
Sheriff's office Coordinating Response to Heil Ranch and Lykins Gulch Wildfires
MEDIA RELEASE Sunday, July 17th, 2005
TO: Boulder County Area Media
FROM: Lt. Phil West, #303/441-3621
RE: “Heil Ranch” and Lykins Gulch” Wildfires
8:30 p.m. Sunday
The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office is coordinating firefighting efforts at two small wildland fires south of Lyons, approximately eight miles northwest of Boulder.
The original fire, termed the “Heil Ranch” wildfire, was reported at 5:51 p.m. on Saturday evening, July 16th. Firefighters from the Lyons Fire Protection District and Boulder County Wildland Fire Task Force responded to combat the blaze, which was ignited by a lightning strike.
Firefighters from the Colorado State Forest Service, Big Elk Meadows Fire Protection District, Pinewood Springs Fire Protection District, Boulder County Parks and Open Space, and a hand crew from the Americorps firefighting team joined Lyons firefighters on Sunday to help contain the blaze; there were approximately 60 firefighters on-site during the day. They were assisted with two slurry drops from an air tanker provided by the Colorado State Forest Service. As of Sunday evening, the fire had consumed approximately 10 acres of brush and timber. It is deemed 90% contained and is located entirely on Boulder County Parks and Open Space Land (the Heil Ranch property). Firefighters will
re-double their efforts on Monday, hoping to contain and mop-up hot spots.
The second fire, termed the “Lykins Gulch” wildfire, erupted at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon in a steep and heavily wooded area in Geer Canyon, approximately five miles south of Lyons. Initial reports indicated that it had consumed approximately 50 acres, however, a more accurate estimate made this evening indicated that it was limited to approximately 20 acres of timber. The area consumed by the fire includes private property and Boulder County Parks and Open Space land. It was likely ignited by a lightning strike as well, though that has not been confirmed, and an investigation will be conducted to determine definitively the cause.
Firefighters from the Lefthand Canyon Fire Protection District, assisted by personnel from several other area agencies and multiple slurry drops from an air tanker have the fire about 20% contained. There were approximately 50 firefighters on-site this afternoon; many will remain on-site overnight. They will be joined by additional crews early Monday morning. Fire Command cannot provide an estimate as to when the fire will be contained as yet.
The smoke from the fire is visible for several miles. The Sheriff’s Office notified area residents of the fire via a pre-recorded “9-1-1 callback” message Sunday afternoon. A second message, providing updated information regarding the status of the fire was delivered Sunday evening. Residents should expect to see smoke from the fire for the next couple of days, however, should be relieved to know that no structures are threatened at present and evacuations are unlikely.
Supplemental press releases will be posted as significant new information becomes available.
This press release and others detailing recent events in which the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office has been involved may be found on the Sheriff’s Office web-site at: www.bouldersheriff.org
Detective Commander Rick BroughBoulder County Sheriff's Office
303-441-3631
Related Articles:
- Update on "Heil Ranch" and "Lykins Gulch" Wildfires
The "Heil Ranch" wildfire is 95% contained and is limited to 10 acres. The "Lykins Gulch" wildfire spread to 32 acres and is 70% contained. Firefighting efforts will continue for at least the next two days - Update on Status of "Heil Ranch" and "Lykins Gulch" Wildfires
Firefighters have established 100% containment at both the Heil Ranch and Lykins Gulch wildfires. Fire command has begun scaling back the manpower and resources committed to both fires.
