News Flash

28745 Valley View Drive Wildland Fire - April 14, 2017 Alarm Type: Wildland Fire Alarm Time: 15:11 Units Arrival Time: 15:31 In Service: 1841 Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue (SSFR) was dispatched by the Routt County Communication Center (RCCC) to the area of County Road 200A for the report of a Wildland Fire. SSFR responded with 9 on duty personnel staffing Engine 6-1, Tender 6-1, Brush 6-4, Staff 6-2. Updates from dispatch while enroute to the scene included that a neighbor reported that outbuildings were starting to catch on fire in addition to the propane tank at the main residence. With this information in hand Captain Wilkinson requested a mutual aid response from Oak Creek Fire Protection District (OCFPD) for a Brush Truck and a Water Tender. OCFPD provided this response in addition to four personnel. Two off duty personnel staffed an ambulance throughout the incident to cover the needs of town and the district. When Engine 6-1 arrived on scene they found a 2-acre fire site, with a 20-30 foot area actively burning with flames 3-4 feet high burning grass and scrub oak in addition to a wood pile adjacent to a barn. The scrub oak was beginning to torch (rapid fire growth) and spread. In addition to the wildland component a propane tank 50 feet from the main residence had been compromised burning through the main line to the house. The burning propane was acting as a source of heat and fire. Initially tactics started by Captain Wilkinson included cooling of the propane tank with water from Engine 6-1 while the two brush trucks worked on the flanks (sides) of the fire to control growth until it burned in to the road. The fire was estimated to have burned three acres. Ferrel Gas responded to the scene of the fire to assist with the burning propane tank. Using burning propane tank tactics SSFR was able to shut off the main line out of the propane tank. However, due to prior heat compromise the relief valve to the propane tank was still leaking. Using the expertise of the Ferrel gas personnel the tank was vented over the next 45 minutes to reduce additional chances of causing an explosion or fire. SSFR and OCFPD mopped up any hot spots remaining at the fire scene. The cause of the fire was due to a homeowner burning trash outside in a barrel. SSFR would like to remind people that burn season is officially over April 15 except for agricultural burns. Landowners should keep in mind that recent dry conditions with the combination of the spring winds can cause a seemingly innocent agricultural burn to get out of control rapidly. For further questions please contact Captain Travis Wilkinson at 970-879-7170. Some images attached to this press release. For further images please visit Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue on Facebook. # # #