Current wind speed, wind direction, relative humidity, and other weather data are available at the NCAR Foothills Lab.
Update 18:36, 9/9/10, from City of Boulder Press Release:
City clarifies earlier advisory; area of concern is north of Spruce Street
As the City of Boulder works with county, state and federal officials on the potential of high winds later tonight and into the early morning hours, it has received a number of questions about specific geographical areas of concern within city limits. Based on current projections and the proximity of existing fire, officials are closely monitoring neighborhoods west of Broadway from and including Spruce Street on the south to the city limits outside of the Dakota Ridge subdivision on the north.
No evacuations are currently in place in the city. Should that change, the city will take immediate action to notify its residents.
Given the unpredictable nature of fire, especially in high winds, the city would urge all residents to remain tuned to local news stations and monitor updates that are being posted to www.boulderoem.com.
Update, 16:36, 9/9/10, from Dave Sutherland:
Hogback and West Old Kiln trails have also been closed due to predicted high winds and the Fourmile Fire.
Update, 14:54, 9/9/10, from Dave Sutherland, Interpretive Naturalist, City of Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks:
Mount Sanitas trails have also been closed.
9/8/10 OSMP is enacting trail closures due to the Fourmile Fire, effective immediately until further notice: Settler’s Park / Red Rocks, Centennial, Wonderland Lake trails, due to predicted high winds over the next 12 hours.
from: http://www.digitalglobe.com/index.php/27/Sample+Imagery+Gallery
The following press release just arrived (1:55 p.m., Thursday, 9/9/10) from the City of Boulder:
City takes precautions in advance of high winds; urges residents to remain vigilant and prepare for possible evacuations
Forecasters are calling for wind gusts as high as 50 mph starting after about 6 p.m. today, Thursday, Sept. 9, and lasting into early morning hours. The City of Boulder is taking several measures to help protect residents and structures should these winds push the Fourmile Canyon wildfire into the city limits.
City officials are working with employees from fire, police, Open Space and Mountain Parks, public works and Parks and Recreation to put mitigation, evacuation and other emergency plans in effect. Some specific efforts include mowing grass along the western edge of the city to reduce fuel around residential areas, planning for possible evacuations and sharing information with our community.
“We are certainly hoping for the best, but as a city, we are doing the very things we would urge residents to do – staying vigilant and planning for the worst,” said City Manager Jane S. Brautigam. “While city neighborhoods have been spared a direct impact so far, this remains a volatile situation. There are concerns about the fire’s path becoming less predictable and the possibility of spot fires from embers.”
Residents who live west of Broadway are specifically encouraged to take the following actions:
· Clear out lawns and western areas, removing all combustibles, including firewood, lawn furniture, play equipment, grills and propane tanks.
· Do not put propane tanks inside garages. Move them to the east side of your home in a highly visible location.
· Mow tall grass and remove extra brush from the west side of your home.
· Make certain that all windows on the west side of your home are closed and keep all interior doors closed. Keep your porch light and all exterior lights on.
· Make sure you have gas in your car and park your vehicle pointed in the direction of the road.
· Prepare your take-away kit with important documents, photos, medications and other significant items and put it in your car.
· Consider making shelter arrangements with friends and family members, if possible, for you and your pets.
Brautigam, Fire Chief Larry Donner, Police Chief Mark Beckner and other city officials have been in continual communication with county, state and federal authorities, monitoring the fire and its possible impacts on the City of Boulder. The city has also provided significant resources to the firefighting, communication and evacuee support efforts.
“We are incredibly grateful for all of the work firefighters from near and far have done since Monday, and we are committed to continuing to help in all ways that we can,” Brautigam said. “We hope for good news soon, but we want our residents to know that the danger has not yet passed. This is an ideal time for families to develop a plan that could be implemented on a moment’s notice.”
The fire department website includes a great deal of information about wildfires, including specific tips on preparing for possible evacuations. This site can be accessed at: http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2408&Itemid=779.
The city also encourages all residents to monitor local news reports and check for up-to-date official information at http://www.boulderoem.com. If you have not already done so, sign up for emergency text alerts at http://www.boco911alert.com.
If a request to evacuate becomes necessary, residents are urged to do so immediately to help save lives and give firefighters the ability to bring in necessary equipment and crews to protect properties.
“If we reach an emergency situation, we will do everything we can to respond,” Brautigam said. “We will need full cooperation from residents. I know we can count on that from our community.”
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