A wildland fire, sparked by a hit and run truck/power pole crash at Ukele Lane/Harness Lane, just outside of Silt on July 16^th underscores the fire danger we all face here in Silt.  Town elected officials and staff join the fire and emergency crews who worked to put out the fire in believing that we “dodged a bullet” on this incident.  Had winds not been light and resources not as readily available, the fire may have marched into the Town where results could have been catastrophic. 

CRFR, aided by air assets, including a helicopter from Rifle and 2 single air tankers from Grand Junction knocked down the fire after a couple of hours of work.  Also working the fire were five Type 6 engines, one type 3 engine and three water tenders. 

The US Government’s Interagency Fire team, based at the Rifle Airport, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Department, Silt Police Department, Garfield County Road and Bridge and Excel Energy all joined CRFR on the scene.  Glenwood Springs Fire assisted with calls in the New Castle area.  Off-duty CRFR personnel were called in and either covered calls or were on the fire scene to assist with extinguishing the fire.

The amount and number of resources utilized to battle the 16-acre fire is truly remarkable.  It shows the perceived concern a wildfire so close to inhabited places provokes. 

Let’s all use our resources wisely and prevent fires from invading our Town!

TIPS TO PREVENT FIRE

• Keep vehicles off dry grass.
• Regularly maintain your vehicle and other motor driven equipment, ie, mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, etc.
• Make sure your OHV has a spark arrester.
• Check you tires, bearings and axles on trailers.
• Make sure chains can’t drag on the highway.
• Use grills in safe places.
• Dispose of used matches and cigarettes in a closed container or cup of water.

PEOPLE CAUSE MOST WILDFIRES…….BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR AND BE SMART ABOUT FIRE!

Encourage others to opt-in to the Emergency Alert system by going to:   

https://member.everbridge.net/index/3531635643383892#/signup