The Boulder fire is actually two small fires merging. Image: U.S. Forest Service, Southwestern Region, Kaibab National Forest
A large fire in Boulder, Colo., is forcing residents and businesses to evacuate. There are two fires that total about 20 acres. There will be power outages as firefighters set back burns to control the fires.
Wildland fires cause evacuation
The two Boulder fires that are burning outside the Colorado city are causing severe problems. About 1,700 residents have been informed that they need to evacuate. The Boulder fire evacuees are being asked to go to the Coors Event Center or Boulder Judicial Complex. The Boulder fire evacuees are also being asked to take their animals to the Boulder Humane Society and Boulder County Fairgrounds. Patients are being asked to please not go to the Boulder Community Hospital in Mapleton and Maxwell.
Boulder fires have 100 firefighters on the case
The two Boulder fires are currently being fought by about 100 firefighters from seven different agencies. The firefighters will be setting a “back burn” that will remove fuel for the wildland fires. That back burn will shut off power for a large portion of Boulder for four hours or more. Air tankers are also being called in to drop fire retardant across many residences. Both fires were reported at about 8:45 a.m. on Friday.
Boulder fire presents a challenge
The two Boulder fires likely will not be put out quickly. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning. This means that there will be “gusty and erratic winds” that will cause critical fire weather conditions. The Boulder County Health department has also issued a warning about the potentially negative health effects of the smoke and debris from the Boulder fires. If the weather cooperates, firefighters hope to have the Boulder fire out within the next day or two. If strong winds continue, the Boulder fire could continue to grow and last a week or more.
