Arapahoe Fire Causes Evacuations

A Rocky Mountain Type 2 Incident Management Team B assumed management of the Arapaho Fire today.  This fire was discovered on 6/27 at approximately 10:30 p.m. The cause of the fire is unknown, however earlier in the week a lightning storm went through the area.   Two additional fires were also reported in the immediate area.

Crews began working these fires yesterday. Operations today will focus mainly on alerting residents and protecting structures in the path of or near the fire’s edge.  Crews, engines and dozers will work at the south end, and the flanks, of the fire.  Last evening the  Albany County Sheriff’s office issued evacuation notices for the following areas: Cottonwood park, Friend park, North Laramie Trailhead, and Harris park.

Converse county notified residents in, and south, of Esterbrook road that evacuations could be forthcoming.  Approximately 400-500 structures are affected.  As of midnight Thursday, the fire was reported to be about 5,000 acres in size, however it was growing rapidly.A type 1 incident management team is on order and expected to arrive sometime on Sunday.