As we were coming back from our quick two day trip towards Denver, about five miles from our campground, we noticed an orange helicopter coming down towards the Colorado River. He stayed down for just a minute, then up he went, with his snorkeling looking thing handing down. As we notice him going towards the cliffs, we then also notice the smoke rising.
Our first comment was how close was it to our campground!?!? Brian was able to get some pretty good shots of him going back towards the fire.
As we got off the at our exit (47), we say yet another helicopter coming down right near Island Acres Day-Use area. I was able to pull off and get some awesome pictures!
As days go by we learned that the fire is behind the Small Bookcliffs on BLM land where the wild horses roam. The fire was caused by lightening from several days back and was left to burn. Pinion and Juniper trees are not native trees/brush to this area and was overtaking the natural vegetation that is vital to the wild horses; therefore the fire would help restore the vegetation. The wild fire was in no immediate danger of personal property or the State Park.
I went on the Internet and found a very interesting article on the fire. They had several hot shots staying up there to maintain the fire and to make sure it did not get near any private property. The only way to get to this fire was either with 4 wheelers or by air. the guys that were up there had to have their meals dropped in by plane. They received one hot meal and two cold meals per day. They were ready and considering starting back-fires to help keep it under control. We are not sure if they actually had to do that or not.
One night while at work, the glow and the smoke really looked scary, and it appeared it would come over the cliff towards the park.
The fire never did get close to us. However, with the winds kicking up, they did start to get concern that it was heading towards private property, and then the rain came and knocked the fire down. The fire is now 100% contained and the wild horses are safe once again.
Our first comment was how close was it to our campground!?!? Brian was able to get some pretty good shots of him going back towards the fire.
As we got off the at our exit (47), we say yet another helicopter coming down right near Island Acres Day-Use area. I was able to pull off and get some awesome pictures!
As days go by we learned that the fire is behind the Small Bookcliffs on BLM land where the wild horses roam. The fire was caused by lightening from several days back and was left to burn. Pinion and Juniper trees are not native trees/brush to this area and was overtaking the natural vegetation that is vital to the wild horses; therefore the fire would help restore the vegetation. The wild fire was in no immediate danger of personal property or the State Park.
I went on the Internet and found a very interesting article on the fire. They had several hot shots staying up there to maintain the fire and to make sure it did not get near any private property. The only way to get to this fire was either with 4 wheelers or by air. the guys that were up there had to have their meals dropped in by plane. They received one hot meal and two cold meals per day. They were ready and considering starting back-fires to help keep it under control. We are not sure if they actually had to do that or not.
One night while at work, the glow and the smoke really looked scary, and it appeared it would come over the cliff towards the park.
The fire never did get close to us. However, with the winds kicking up, they did start to get concern that it was heading towards private property, and then the rain came and knocked the fire down. The fire is now 100% contained and the wild horses are safe once again.
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