Loveland Reservoir Road fire update: 35% containment -- but not out of the woods yet

The Fourmile Canyon fire near Boulder is winding down at this writing, but the Reservoir Road blaze outside of Loveland is still more out of control than in. Containment stands at 35 percent. But in many other respects, the news is positive. Says spokeswoman Debra Schofield: "Firefighters feel that Monday and Tuesday were good days." That's true for at least a couple of reasons. First of all, no new residences have gone up in flames, leaving the total number of homes destroyed at just two. Moreover, the acreage estimate has gone down from 925 to 710, although that's by virtue of more accurate mapping made possible because "the fire laid down earlier last night," Schofield notes.

In addition, most residents whose homes remain intact were able to return yesterday long enough to pack up additional belongings. "From the word we got, it went very well," Schofield points out. "People were very happy to get in, and it was very organized."

Still, the rocky terrain in which many of the hot spots linger means it's far too early for complacency. "I don't know if anything's safe," Schofield admits. "It all depends on the weather" -- which seems to be cooperating thus far.

Page down to see a map of the burn area from www.inciweb.org, as well as the latest release on the fire and new videos from the scene:

Reservoir Road Fire Update

Sept. 14, 2010 9:40 p.m.

General Information/Announcements

Today from 3 pm until 7 pm residents who are currently evacuated were escorted back to their homes. They were given one hour to get any items they may need before they were escorted back out. This morning numerous resources from the Fourmile Canyon Fire were reassigned to this fire. With the progress that was made today, some of those resources are no longer needed and will be demobilized tomorrow.

Closures/Advisories/Evacuations

Evacuations: Evacuations are in effect for a four-mile radius from Pinewood Reservoir. A shelter has been established at the Church of Loveland located at 3835 SW 14th St.

Closures

All roads above the intersection of County Road 18E and County Road 31.

Donations

Donations are being accepted for those residents displaced by the fire. For more information on what is needed call 211. Donations can be taken to 629 SW 14th St., Loveland, CO. Please do not bring any items to fire camp as firefighters are well cared for on the incident.www.osmp.orgwww.osmp.orgThe City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks department (OSMP), in City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks department (OSMP), City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks department (OSMP),

Today's Activity

Today firefighters made great progress on line construction and containment is now at 35%. Firefighters were able to complete line on much of the south and east flanks of the fire. Containment of the north end will take more time to complete because of the steep, rocky terrain and limited access. Hot spots around structures have been mopped up, and firefighters are fairly confident the structures are secure as long as fire activity does not increase. Tonight firefighters will monitor the fire perimeter as well as the interior looking for and mopping up any hot spots they find.

Quick Fire Facts

Date started: 09/12/2010

Location: 4 miles W of Loveland, CO

Percent Contained: 35%

Number of Personnel: 557, 15 Type 1 crews (hot shots), 3 Type 2 crews

Equipment: 29 engines, 9 water tenders

Cause: Human

Size: 710 acres

Aircraft: helicopters 4 large

Retardant: 97,500 (cumulative)

Cost to Date: $ 1,067,000

Injuries: 1

Residences threatened: 200

Residences destroyed: 2

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