
3 minute read
Hogback Fire a reminder that wildfire happens at any time
Now’s a good time to make evacuation plans, mitigate property
BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM



It was business as usual in downtown Morrison the morning of April 1 despite the Hogback Fire that was still burning though under control three miles north.
Patrons stopping into Morrison Joe co ee shop Saturday morning were no longer concerned about the re that on March 31 caused pre-evacuation orders of the entire town and subdivisions on the east side of C-470. e re, which burned 44 acres near Interstate 70 between Highway 93 and C-470, was 100% contained as of 2 p.m. April 3.
According to o cials, the Hogback Fire was caused by a power line downed by exceptionally strong winds on March 31. Pre-evacuation orders for Morrison, Solterra and Red Rocks Ranch were lifted later that night.
Larry Kunz of Morrison said he was happy that the re was contained, especially with the winds that some meteorologists said gusted to 70 mph.
Brent Lewis of Morrison said with everything being so dry and the recent winds, he’s worried about outof-towners frequenting the many parks in the area who don’t realize the potential danger one spark can cause.
“ at dead wood just explodes,” he said.
Just this weekend, the Hogback Fire was one of several res in Colorado, including the Bear Fire northwest of Golden that re crews containing to 7.5 acres and authorities believe was human caused.
In addition, re crews continue to battle the 403 Fire that has burned 1,450 acres in Park and Teller counties as of 4 p.m. April 2, and a re broke out in Cimarron Hills east of Colorado Springs on April 2.

“We absolutely have to be vigilant right now,” said Stacee Martin, assistant re chief with Evergreen Fire/Rescue. “ is is that awkward shoulder season where we don’t have green grass, and we have some moisture but not enough. ings are still brown, and that’s what is catching re. is is the time of year we all hold our breath.”
With low humidity and high winds, the danger is even higher.
“If you see a smoke column or active ames, call 911,” she said. “We are happy to check it out.”
Be prepared to leave and create plans for what to take and where to meet your family, and do mitigation now while the weather is getting better and before it’s time to plant, she said.
“ ere is no end to wild re season in Colorado,” Martin said. “It’s yearround. Right now in particular, keep your head on a swivel.”
Hogback Fire
As of April 2, Matthews/Winters Park is still closed, though all roads in the area have reopened as re crews continue to ensure no hotspots are up. e rst calls reporting the re came in around 2:15 p.m. March 31, according to West Metro Fire. Many area re departments sent re ghters and trucks to help including South Metro, Genesee, Foothills, Evergreen, Inter-Canyon, Indian Hills, North Fork, Fairmount and Elk Creek. Aid came from as far as Castle Rock.
O cials at about 8:15 p.m. March 31 lifted pre-evacuation orders for the Solterra subdivision, Red Rocks Ranch and the town of Morrison, though the March 31 concert at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre was postponed.
On April 1, Evergreen Fire/Rescue continued to assist West Metro Fire in monitoring the area. e re started on the west side of the hogback close to the main Matthews/Winters Park trailhead but spread onto the east side of the hogback. Helicopters were unable to operate in the windy conditions, and thus could not provide water drops, according to West Metro Fire.
As of 6 p.m. March 31, crews on the west side of the hogback were securing the perimeter while their counterparts on the east side were watching for spot res. Eastside crews were also setting up a progressive hose lay to get water up the steep slope to the top of the ridge. ey’re also using saws to cut out vegetation, taking away fuel from the re, West Metro Fire reported.
Golden, Timberline, Arvada, West Metro, Fairmount fire districts and other emergency agencies like Colorado State Patrol.

Fulton commended everyone involved for their “quick response,” explaining how the Bear Fire was Jeffco’s second notable wildfire in two days. The day before, emergency responders tackled the Hogback Fire near Morrison, which was caused by a downed powerline. March 31’s dry, windy conditions made firefighting efforts difficult at the Hogback Fire, and Fulton noted how the fire season on the Front Range is now yearround.
The Front Range has seen several red flag days over the last week, including March 31, April 2 and April 3. Fulton recommended that everyone be extra cautious on red flag days — characterized by dry, windy conditions — saying fires like the Hogback Fire and the Bear Fire can spread quickly under those conditions.
On April 1, Colorado State Patrol closes Golden Gate Canyon Road from Highway 93 to Crawford Gulch Road due the Bear Fire. The road was closed for about two hours as emergency crews responded to the scene about three miles northwest of Golden. As of April 3, the Bear Fire was fully contained to 7.5 acres in Golden Gate Canyon.