Hayman Fire Update
The fire is now being reported as follows as of 10am CDT:
Acres: 60,850 (up from 20,000 at last report)
Percent Contained: 5 % (down from 10%)
Teams Assigned: There are now two Type 1 teams assigned to the fire.
Air Equipment: 3 Type 1 helicopters, 2 Type 1 Air Attack, 4 Type 1 Air tankers, 2 lead planes, water tenders and dozers
Fire Behavior: Continues to be described as “extreme” and the fire is heading north / northeast
I’m finding mixed messages about the total # of personnel involved and the structures threatened; the 10am report indicates 220 personnel assigned, and only 20 residences threatened. I am inclined to believe the previous, more grim report, however — but maybe I’m just a pessimist.
Finally, the following narrative description of the situation is being published:
The Great Basin Type 1 team is assigned and assumed operational management of this fire effective this morning at 6 AM. A second Type 1 team will be arriving sometime this morning and will be stationed in Castle Rock. This second team will focus efforts on the northern end of the Hayman fire, especially working with the Sheriff’s offices in Douglas and Jefferson counties to coordinate evacuations. This wind driven fire, which was reported approximately 5 PM Saturday, grew very quickly due to the high wind conditions, high temperatures and low relative humidity’s. Last night, crews worked to burn out portions of the line along Platte Springs, in efforts to secure the heel of the fire. Today a priority for crews is to continue working along the eastern perimeter, anchoring and flanking the fire. Along the northern end of the fire, the priority will be on any additional evacuations, should they become necessary. We continue to receive resources in support of firefighting efforts.
If you read this closely, I think what it says is that on the northern end of the fire — the front of the fire — the teams are essentially focused on getting people the hell out of the way of this thing. I’m not sure they can do much to contain or stop it, at least until they get a break from the weather.