(dated 06/11/13 10:15 PM; press release received 12:09 PM)
As of 10:15 PM Tuesday night, officials estimate the Royal Gorge Fire at 3800 acres, with 0% containment. Evacuations include south of US 50 to Canon City; west from Canon City to Parkdale; east from County Road 3A. Red Cross shelter is located at Evangelical Free Church, Canon City. At least three structures have been lost. The fire jumped the Arkansas River canyon, and is within a quarter mile of US Hwy 50 in some areas. Power outages north of Canon City are affecting 350 customers.
Official press release below:
Canon City, Colo. – The Royal Gorge Fire is now estimated at 3,800 acres with 0% containment. Origin of fire was south of the Royal Gorge Bridge Park, which is west of Canon City.
-Cause is still under investigation
-Fire is burning on private, state and BLM ground
-Fuels consist of pinon, juniper and grass
-At least 3 structures have been lost
-Fire jumped the Arkansas River canyon, and is within ¼ mile of US Hwy 50 in areas
-Power outages north of Canon City affecting 350 customers
Overnight objectives:
-Protect for safety of the public and firefighters
-Structure protection
-Critical infrastructure protection
-Canon City Water plant
-High-tension power service lines
-Weather concerns include a predicted Red Flag Warning again for the area Thursday
-A Type 3 incident fire management team is taking charge, with a Type 2 expected to assume management Wednesday afternoon. Approximately 150 firefighters are on scene with more arrivals expected Wednesday.
Road closures
-US 50 is closed west of Canon City to Highway 9
-Alternate routes: Highways 69/96 (Westcliffe) or Highways 9/24
Evacuations: South of US 50 to Canon City; West from the Canon City to Parkdale; East from County Road 3A
-Red Cross shelter locations for Royal Gorge Fire Evacuation Shelter at Evangelical Free Church, 3000 E. Main St. Canon City, CO
-Multi-agencies are involved in fighting this fire from local, county, state and federal resources
-Evacuations, when needed, are conducted door-to-door by law enforcement personnel and by reverse 911. Register your phone to your primary address at www.fremontco.com and click on the 911 link
-Private citizens are encouraged to donate to charities such as Care and Share or the Red Cross to help those affected. Though greatly appreciated, firefighters working the lines are taken care of very well with food and drink
