SITREP 1: March 30, 2023, 2120 hours PDT

Update | 2315 PDT/ 0015 MDT

The 403 IC Fire / 403 Fire originally started in Park County has moved into a next-door neighbor and County of Teller in Colorado. This seems to be the wildfire that is the most active and of concern for Fire Officials, communities, and the news media which appears to be covering this incredibly threatening fire.

Southern Park County Fire & EMS states they still have two crews 901 and 902 which were still on the wildfire incident as of 2100 hours MDT.

Photo Credit: SPCF&EMS

Mountain Communities Volunteer Fire Department

We have added this agency as they are also assigned to this wildfire incident and have sent several fire personnel and equipment.

EVACUATIONS ARE IN EFFECT

Park and Teller Counties

County Road 403

Alpine Meadows Lane

North-to-Northeast of Homestake Place

Alpine Meadows Lane in Pike Forest Estate

The intersection of CR403 between Forest Lane and Homestake Place

Wilson Lakes, Subdivision

Forest Glenn, Subdivision

Forest Ridge

Valley Hi, Subdivision

Florissant Heights, Subdivision

Hwy 24 – Lake George (Pre-evacuation)

Western side of Florissant (Pre-evacuation)

Photo (left) Credit | Park County Government

SHELTERS

People Shelter: Lake George Community Shelter, 39141 US 24, Lake George, CO

Emergency Shelter: Woodland Park Community Church, 800 Valley View Dr, Woodland Park, CO (Red Cross

Small Cats & Dogs: Teller County Animal Shelter, 308 Weaverville Rd, Divide. 719-868-7707 Info Line

Large Animal & Livestock: Lake George Fairgrounds, 37371 Hwy 24, Lake George, CO

Evacuations Info Line: 719-836-4200.

Emergency Alerts: Park County, Colorado: https://parkco.us/civicalerts.aspx?AID=896&fbclid=IwAR1CidJQATUXgJREgJ8RtcYyqG3Mk2hhyv-e8QHXJwHtDChHIenLB2ErOp8

INCIDENT SUMMARY

A nearby neighbor reported to the emergency telecommunications center at 1052 hours about a fire. A wildfire designated as the 403 FIRE is burning about .5 miles from the Teller County line between Lake George and Guffey and eight (8) miles

This is known as the 403 IC FIRE by Fire Officials and called the 403 FIRE on Social Media.

#403ICFire #403Fire

FIRE BEHAVIOR

At the initial report, Fire Officials stated at their 1500 wildfire update, evacuations are in effect, as well as the fire consuming a minimum of 30 acres with an unknown containment status.

The Spread of the fire is said to be moving to the north-northeast and has a very active fire behavior.

OPERATIONS

Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control

Fire Officials state the Canon Helitack flew for a short time before being ground by winds. There are additional personnel and special equipment that has been assigned to this incident including:

Tava Module, and District Chief – Colorado Springs

Grizzle Creek Module – Canon City

Aircraft-Multi Mission Aircraft (MMA) was originally unable to fly due to very windy conditions, grounding flight operations.

DFPC will be assuming Command at midnight tonight.

Photo Credit: DFPC

Teller County Sheriff’s Office

Additionally, the Teller County Sheriff’s Office and Animal Control have been also assisting.

Teller County SO Deputies and SAR members are helping with evacuations.

Photo (above and below) Credit | Teller Co Sheriff’s Office

Photo (Left) | Volunteers from the Teller County Search and Rescue teams are helping with evacuations. | Photo Credit: TCSAR

Tallahassee Fire Protection District

The TAFPD has sent a Type 6 truck and crew to Florissant.

Lake George Fire Protection District

The Lake Fire Protection District has sent additional fire personnel and equipment to this wildfire incident.

Photo Credit | LGFPD

Hartsel Fire Protection District

The HFPD is located in Hartsel in Park County, Colorado.

Photo (Left) Credit | HFPD

Florissant Fire Protection District

Cripple Creek FD

Bullhide Fire Services

Type 5 has been deployed from this Fire Agency.

Divide Fire Protection District

USFS

CO Parks and Wildlife

Ute Pass Regional Ambulance District

The Ute Pass Regional Ambulance has ambulances on standby in Staging.

This agency responds to calls within a service district across four separate counties over 539 square miles.

Photo Credit | UPRAD

American Red Cross of Colorado

CDPHE Air Pollution

https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colo_advisory.aspx

Park County, Colorado Government

Teller County Commissioners and OEM

USFS Pike & San Isabel

CURRENT STATUS

The wildfire has burned 1,075 acres and has an unknown containment status.

Photo Credit | TCSO

The cause is unknown at the time of this post.

EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS

The smoke from the 403 IC FIRE can be seen from Hwy 105. There is no current threat to the front range. – Jackson 105 Fire Protection District

Photo (Left) Credit | DPFC

Smoke is so thick, the Teller County Sheriff’s Office is asking those who are out in it to be careful.

Visibility has decreased due to heavy smoke in the air.

Photos from a friend. She said it’s growing FAST and saw loads of police heading in.

(c) 2023 NW Fire Blog