Red Cross Support for Colorado and Wyoming Wildfires

Red Cross volunteers and staff have dispersed across affected areas to help coordinate response and recovery. Our volunteers are embedded with local, state and federal agencies including county emergency operations centers (EOC) and wildfire incident command (IC). Currently there are no shelters or evacuation centers open but several remain on standby.

Hayden Pass Fire: Residents who were evacuated last week are starting to return to their homes as wildfire containment continues to increase. As of this morning the fire was 45 percent contained and crews are optimistic about their progress. Some residents were allowed to return to their homes on Tuesday and the rest of the evacuees are expected to return on Thursday. The latest evacuation information is available on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FremontCountySheriffsOffice.

The Red Cross with our partners, the Salvation Army, provided cleanup kits to residents who are anticipating reentry. Cleaning up after a wildfire can be a pretty big job. “We want to make sure they have the right things to make it easier,” said Larry Cornett, the disaster program specialist for Southeastern Colorado Red Cross. More than 140 cleanup kits were provided.

Anyone in need of clean up supplies will find them at the Coaldale Fire Department, at the reentry checkpoints and at the Fremont County Office of Emergency Management.

Wyoming Wildfires: Fires continue blaze across parts of Wyoming with new fire starts daily. The Red Cross opened evacuation centers in Pinedale and Jackson Hole when evacuations were announced. Those centers have been put in standby mode for quick response if needed. Additional evacuation sites are being put on standby just in case any of the new fires start to move in the direction of a community.

Red Cross teams have fanned out across the region to provide support for people and communities affected by wildfire. Our teams continued to be embedded with local, state and federal agencies including the Incident Command Posts as requested. At this time there are no shelters or evacuation centers open in Colorado or Wyoming,

Hayden Pass Fire: The fire containment grew to 35 percent as weather conditions slowed fire growth. Red Cross volunteers worked closely with the Salvation Army to provide cleanup kits for those residents that are able to return to their homes. The cleanup kits provide some of the items that people need to clean up debris and smoke damage.

At a meeting Monday afternoon residents were told whether or not they could return to their homes today, Each person that picked up a cleanup kit expressed thanks and appreciation for Red Cross support.

Cleanup kits will be available at Cotopaxi School today and at the Coaldale Fire Department in Coaldale as long as supplies last.

SO, what is in a Red Cross cleanup kit?

Red Cross supply trailer outside of the Colter Elemerntary School in Jackson Hole, WY. Photo by American Red Cross

In Wyoming new fires continue to ignite. The Cliff Fire grew on Monday and prompted the opening of an evacuation center due to the evacuation of Granite Canyon.  The evacuation center was opened at Colter Elementary School, 1830 High School Rd in Jackson Homle, WY. That center is now in standby mode to be activated as needed. The evacuation center that was opened for the evacuation center that was opened in Pinedale has also been placed in standby mode.

For more information about the fires in Wyoming visit the Inciweb site at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/state/52/  or http://wildfiretoday.com/tag/wyoming.

As people move back to their homes it is important to remember that cleaning up after a wildfire can be difficult and hazardous. Red Cross urges everyone to take extra caution and use protective clothing while cleaning around the property. Visit redcross.org/prepare for tips one cleaning methods.

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The Red Cross teams continue to provide support for wildfires in the Colorado and Wyoming Region. We have our volunteers positioned to provide maximum support at Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) and Wildfire Incident Command Posts (ICP) to provide close coordination between the Red Cross, other nonprofit organizations and with local, state and federal agencies.

Hayden Pass Fire: With 30 percent containment on the fire as of this mornings and the hope for monsoonal rainfall later today fire fighters and local authorities are optimistic about the progress being made. Red Cross continues to work closely with Fremont County Emergency Management and local organizations to ensure needs are being met.

The shelter at the Howard Volunteer Fire Department remains open to provide a cool, safe place for those affected to get meals and information, along with emotional support. Three people stayed at the shelter overnight Sunday which is no change from previous nights.

A community meeting will be held at 4:00 p.m. at the Cotopaxi School in Cotopaxi. The Red Cross and the Salvation Army will have cleanup supplies on hand at the meeting to give to those residents allowed to return to their residents. The cleanup supplies will include mops, brooms, detergents, and protective clothing.

LOCAL NEEDS: As people begin to return to their homes they will be faced with a significant clean up effort. With that in mind, there is a need for paper towel rolls and Fabreze Air Freshener products. If you would like to donate these specific items please contact the Howard Vol Fire Department in Howard.

Monetary donations are being taken at the High Country Bank in Salida, CO.

The Cliff Creek Wildfire caused the evacuation of homes near Jackson Hole so an evacuation center was opened at the Pinedale Middle School in Pinedale, WY. That evacuation center was closed at 9 A.M. Monday. There were no residents at that evacuation center.

Caution is advised if people are going back to property affected by the fire. People should wear protective clothing during cleanup and avoid breathing or touching ash left from the fire. Go to www.redcross.org/prepare for more tips on cleaning up after a fire. You can also get recovery information from our Wildfire and Emergency mobile apps.

Another app is available from the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control that focuses on fire activity in Colorado. That app is called Wildfire Watch and is available at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dfpc/wildfire-watch-app.

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Sunday, July 17, 2016 10:00 A.M. Update: Red Cross support continues for the Colorado wildfire. Support requires close coordination with all local, state and federal agencies as well as local community groups. We have volunteers in place at emergency operations centers at the Fremont County EOC in Canon City and the Hayden Pass Fire Incident Command Post (ICP) in Salida. Our teams will be working to provide support where ever it is needed.

Very Heavy Air Transport (VHAT) drops retardant on the Heydan Pass Fire. Photo courtesy of USFS.

Cold Springs Fire: The fire has reached containment and Red Cross services have scaled back. We stand ready to provide what support the community needs based on requests from Boulder Emergency Management and Bolder County Recovery. This will be the last report for the Cold Springs Fire.

Hayden Pass Fire: The fire continued to grow but at a slower rate. Fire crews have been able to obtain a percentage of containment but there is still a lot of work to do. Red Cross plans for the coming week is to stage cleanup supplies in the area so that when people are allowed to return home they will have appropriate supplies available. We are working closely with The Salvation Army and other partners to help those affected get the items they need.

Overnight three people stayed at the Howard Volunteer Fire Department shelter.

Red Cross Support statistics

Saturday, July 16, 2016 10:00 A. M. Update: Red Cross teams continued to support activities related to the Colorado wildfires. Support requires close coordination with all local, state and federal agencies as well as local community groups. We have volunteers in place at emergency operations centers (EOC) the Fremont County EOC in Canon City and the Hayden Pass Fire Incident Command Post (ICP) in Salida. Our teams will be working to provide support where ever it is needed.

As containment grows evacuees have been allowed back into their homes to begin the clean up and recover. Red Cross continues to work closely with Boulder County Recovery to provide cleanup kits, protective clothing and to provide emotional support. Our Disaster Mental Health professionals are available to provide council for people have a hard time dealing with the damage or loss of their home.

The Hayden Pass Fire continues to grow as the Type II fire team works hard to secure containment. Evacuees were allowed back to their homes for a short period to allow time to clean spoiled food out refrigerators and freezers. It is possible that evacuees will need to be out of their homes for several more days. Red Cross is positioning supplies that will help with the cleanup of homes that have experienced smoke and water damage. Our teams also will continue to support the shelter at Howard Volunteer FD. This shelter is being run by the Howard Volunteer FD and their ladies auxiliary with food support from the Red Cross.

The shelter has plenty of supplies and people should not bring supplies to the Howard Fire Station.

Friday, July 15, 2016 10:00 A.M. Update: Our teams continue to support those affected by the wildfires in Colorado. We continue to work closely with local, state and federal agencies to make sure that needs are being met. We have volunteers in place at emergency operations centers (EOC) in Boulder County, Colorado State EOC in Denver, the Fremont County EOC in Canon City and the Hayden Pass Fire Incident Command Post (ICP) in Salida. Our teams will be working to provide support where ever it is needed.

Cold Springs Fire (#ColdSpringsFire)

The shelter at Nederland High School was closed at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 14. The Disaster Assistance Center will be open today until 5:00 p.m. That center can provide access to clean up items and other resources provided by Boulder County Recovery. Red Cross disaster mental health professionals will be on hand to provide help to those struggling to deal with this disaster.

For more information about the Disaster Assistance Center and Boulder County recovery resources and services you can:

visit: www.ColdSpringsFireRecovery.org
Call: Boulder County Housing and Human Services at 303-441-1000.
Email: firerecovery@bouldercounty.org 

Support for those affected by the wildfires in Colorado and Wyoming continues. Fire fighters are gaining containment while new fires seem to pop up every day. For the latest wildfire information you can download the Red Cross Wildfire mobile app at www.redcross.org/apps. Another app is available from the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control that focuses on fire activity in Colorado. That app is called Wildfire Watch and is available at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dfpc/wildfire-watch-app.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016 10:00 A.M. UPDATE: The Red Cross continues to support shelters for Colorado wildfire activity. Shelters are available for anyone affected by the wildfires. At the shelter people can get meals, take showers and meet with members of the community and with Red Cross volunteers.

Cold Springs Fire (#ColdSpringsFire)

Red Cross volunteers will be helping people as they go back to their homes as containment grows for the Cold Springs Fire. There is a lot of concern for those homes that have been without electricity for the last few days. Red Cross urges people to take precautions when they go back to their homes. Food that was refrigerated will likely be spoiled. Also urging caution around the home because critters may have sought refuge around homes.

The Shelter remains open at Nederland High School. Overnight 14 people stayed at the Nederland High School shelter along with a couple dozen firefighters. The shelter is located at 597 County Road 130 in Nederland, CO.

Latest information from Boulder OEM is available on their website.

Hayden Pass Fire (#HaydenPassFire)

Red Cross continues to support this partner shelter. Members of the Howard FD and Howard FD Auxiliary have been working the shelter with Red Cross providing support as needed. Overnight 3 people stayed at the shelter in Howard. The shelter is located at the Howard Volunteer Fire Department, 8274 US-50. There is a community meeting at the Cotopaxi School Gymnasium, 345 County Rd 12, Cotopaxi, CO at 7:00 P.M. so that people can ask questions.

A shelter has been opened in Westcliffe, CO to help evacuees from the Rainbow Lutheran Camp. This was a precautionary evacuation of about 180 campers. The shelter is located at Custer County High School, 709 Main St. Westcliffe, CO. This shelter is for the campers only and is supported by Custer County Medical Reserve Corps and the Red Cross.

Black Ridge Fire

Wildfire preparedness and recovery information is available on two free mobile apps, Emergency and Wildfire. Immediate First Aid information is available on the Red Cross FIRST AID app.These and other Red Cross mobile apps are available from the Red Cross at www.redcross.org/apps or by searching Red Cross on your preferred app provider.

Post disaster recovery tips from the Red Cross are able at redcross.org/get-help to help with those returning to their homes.

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Tuesday, July 12, 2016 2:00 P.M. UPDATE: The shelter located at the East Boulder Recreation Center, 5660 Sioux Dr. has been closed. Residents have found other accommodations or moved to the Nederland High School shelter. 

The shelter at Nederland High School remains open to support the response to the Cold Springs Fire. The shelter at Howard Volunteer Fire Department remains open to support the response to the Hayden Pass Fire.

Tuesday, July 12, 2016 10:00 A.M. UPDATE: The American Red Cross continues to support those people affected by the wildfires raging in Colorado. As of 10 A.M. Our volunteers are positioned at state and local Emergency Operations Centers to help coordinate Red Cross services, at shelters to help clients work through this emergency, and at Red Cross chapter offices to provide additional support.

Pets come in all sizes and breeds. This is Gizmo, a pet duck belonging to one of the families at  the Nederland HS shelter. Gizmo is watched by 2 Salvation Army volunteers. Photo by Ed Obrien/American Red Cross

There are currently 3 shelters open for those under evacuation requirements:

Cold Springs Fire  (#ColdSpringsFire)
Nederland High School – 597 County Road 130, Nederland.
East Boulder Rec Center – 5660 Sioux Dr., Boulder, CO

Hayden Pass Fire (#HaydenPassFire)
Howard Volunteer Fire Department – 8274 US-50, Howard, CO

Overnight Stays:
Nederland HS – Midnight population 11, down from 13 the previous night
East Boulder Rec Center – Midnight population 4 no change from previous night
Howard Volunteer Fire Department – Midnight population 3. (new shelter)

Red Cross Services:
Meals: More than 100 meals have been provided  along with 480 snacks.
Staffing: 21 Volunteers and staff are assigned to the response.

Inkind Donations:
Red Cross, Fire Management and the communities associated with the wildfire response are asking people NOT to donate items like food, clothing, towels, blankets, etc. There has been an outpouring of in kind items and all of those donations are appreciated, However we are at the point where we have what we need but are unable to accept additional items. This includes the shelter at Nederland High School, fire fighters at both the Cold Springs Fire and the Hayden Pass Fire.

How You Can Help
The best way to help is to donate to the American Red Cross at redcross.org/donate (1-800-REDCROSS), or to a local charity that is providing support for the wildfire response. Please be careful when donating to unknown charities. Check with the Better Business Bureau before donating.

Fire Information
U.S. Forest Service Fire Incident site http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/
Boulder County Emergency Management – http://www.boulderoem.com/

Wildfire Evacuation Tips
Download the Red Cross EMERGENCY app from
your favorite provider or from www.redcross.org/apps
Review wildfire and evacuation tips at www.redcross.org/prepare

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Monday, July 11, 2016 2:00 p.m. Update:
Red Cross Served lunch to 120 firefighters at the Hayden Pass Fire near Coaldale

Shelter Manager Clark Buck hands out comfort kits filled with personal hygiene items. Photo by Catherine Leventhal/Red Cross

The wildfire
fire near Coaldale, CO, named the Hayden Pass Fire, prompted the need to help fire fighters. The Red Cross purchased sub sandwiches, pizza, fruit, snacks and water and delivered it to the Coaldale Community Center for the 120 fire fighters. This was one of the first food breaks they have been able to take and it was greatly appreciated. The Salvation Army will provide an evening meal and breakfast if needed.

An evacuation Center is available for those affected by the Hayden Pass fire. It is located at the Howard Fire Department at 8274 US-50 in Howard.

Two shelters remain open for the Cold Springs Fire in Boulder County. The Salvation Army provided meals for the residents and for some of the fire fighters. Around 30 fire fighters have been provided with a sleeping area and fire fighters that have been on the job for 48 hours finally got a chance to rest.

Cots line the floor and stage ready to accommodate tired firefighters at the Nederland HS shelter. Photo by Ed O’Brien/Red Cross

Shelters are located at the Nederland High School, 597 County Rd 130 and at the East Boulder Rec Center, 5660 Sioux Dr., Bolder, Co.

If you are concerned about staying informed on this and other emergency events we recommend that you download the Red Cross app tilted Emergency. This app can help before, during and after an emergency event. You can get preparedness and evacuation information as well as helpful suggestions for recovery. Down load the app for iPhone and Android at www.redcross.org/apps.

If you want to help, scroll down to the Sunday 4:00 PM update for suggestions.
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Volunteers at East Boulder Rec Center. Photo by Catherine Leventhal/Red Cross

Monday, July 11, 2016 9:00 A.M. Update: Red Cross continues to operate shelters in Nederland and Boulder. Red Cross volunteers have been providing comfort and hope along with food and a safe place to stay. Our partners, the Salvation Army, are providing meals at both shelter locations.

Overnight there were 13 residents at the Nederland High School shelter and 3 people at the East Boulder Rec Center. The Nederlands High School is also sheltering firefighters who have been working the fire over the weekend.

Shelter Locations:
Nederland High School – 597 County Rd 130, Nederland, CO
Wast Boulder Rec Center – 5660 Sioux Dr. Boulder, CO

Small pet facilities are available at both shelters.

 Hayden Pass Fire Information
The Red Cross of Southeastern Colorado has been asked to feed 125 fire fighter working the Hayden Pass fire in Fremont County. Red Cross will provide lunch and our partners, the Salvation Army will provide the evening meal. Fremont County has opened an evacuation center at the Howard Fire Station, 8274 US-50, Howard, CO.

See 4:00 update information about How You Can Help.
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Boulder County Sheriff and Type3 Fire Team brief residents at Red Cross shelter. Photo by Chip Frye/Red Cross

Sunday, July 10 5:15 P.M. Update: Red Cross has upgraded the evacuation center to a full overnight shelter. We now have 2 shelters available for people affected by the Cold Springs Fire.

Nederland High School – 597 Eudora Rd, Nederland, CO

East Boulder Rec Center – 5660 Sioux Dr., Boulder, CO

These shelters will provide cots, blankets, personal hygiene items, food and beverages.

If you have been evacuated due to the Cold Springs Fire and need a place to stay tonight please visit one of these shelters.

See 4:00 update information about How You Can Help.

 

Cold Spring Fire evacuees wait for the latest wildfire information at the Red Cross shelter in Nederland. Photo by Chip Frye/Red Cross

Updated Wildfire Information is available at Boulder County Emergency Management website

The Red Cross shelter located at Nederland High School remains open for occupancy. This shelter has a capacity for 575 people with cots, blankets, food and beverage support. The shelter also serves as an information center for the Cold Springs Fire.

There were 13 overnight stays at the shelter. The shelter will remain open as long as the threat of evacuation continues.

Shout out to our partners the Salvation Army, who will provide meals at the shelter today.

According to Boulder County Emergency Management, If people need to evacuate horses or other large animals – Arapaho Ranch (1250 Eldora Rd.) can take some and the Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont is open to receive animals as well. (9595 Nelson Rd., Longmont)

Evacuation Center has become an overnight shelter at Nederland High School, 597 Eldora Rd, Nederland, CO. As of 8:00 p.m. there were around a dozen people at the shelter but no indication of how many will stay overnight.

 The shelter is open to anyone affected by the Cold Springs Wildfire. Red Cross volunteers are on scene and will provide cots, blankets, food, beverages and access to wildfire information.

According to Boulder County Emergency Management, If people need to evacuate horses or other large animals – Arapaho Ranch (1250 Eldora Rd.) can take some and the Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont is open to receive animals as well. (9595 Nelson Rd., Longmont)

Please Refresh for updated information.