Green Mountain Interface Fire
August 4, 2008 ~ In the early afternoon West Metro Firefighters responded to a vegetation fire on the north face of Green Mountain. Crews arrived to find several acres involved about 200 yards upslope behind a neighborhood and requested several more companies. The fire was initially spreading at a slow to moderate pace west when winds increased from thunderstorm outflow. The fire began making an impressive run through light & moderate fuels to the west taking crews off guard. It became clear that numerous structures were threatened prompting command to order more engines and air support. A mandatory evacuation was ordered between Green Mt. & 6th Avenue from Indiana to Red Rocks College as the flames rapidly spread into the neighborhood. Crews worked hard to defend homes on the northwest side and only one sustained minor exterior damage. Crews began back burning operations near the point of origin in an attempt to make a solid fire line; once fire was on the ground a sudden wind change took place. The fire blew up and began an easterly track, burning directly toward the homes it started behind several hours earlier. Air resources had been delayed and arrived just in time to make water and retardant drops behind the homes. After several SEAT and Helitac drops the fire was mostly knocked down allowing ground crews to contain the rest. After speaking with a nearby homeowner, lighting is the likely cause.
|
