Both the CalWood and Lefthand Canyon fires increased containment on Wednesday with minimal fire growth. The CalWood Fire is now 24% contained and the Lefthand Canyon Fire is 43% contained. Yesterday, crews on the southeast edge of the CalWood Fire conducted a successful tactical burn operation near the Balarat Education Center to protect structures in that area and connect constructed fire lines. Firefighters continued working in the Highway 7 corridor and along the northern edge of the fire constructing direct line and checking the progress of the fire to the north. Last night’s night shift was successful in holding the fire to minimal growth despite the overnight Red Flag Warning that brought warm temperatures and high winds to the ridgetops.
Firefighters on the CalWood Fire will continue yesterday’s work in all divisions. Crews on the southeastern side of the fire continue to build line as the fire backs down the hill towards Spruce Gulch. On the southwestern side of the fire, crews will patrol the area near yesterday’s firing operation. On the north side of the fire, crews will continue working on the canyon’s edge and in the Highway 7 corridor with the intent of keeping the fire south of Highway 7. Crews on the northeast side of the fire will continue constructing and patrolling fire lines.
Firefighters were able to secure the southern edge of the Lefthand Canyon Fire on Wednesday and no new growth was recorded after midday yesterday. Crews working on the north side of the fire continued mopping up and improving containment lines. Further increases in containment will come as additional containment lines are secured.
Weather & Fuel Conditions: A cold front arrived over the fire area early this morning and will continue moving into the area throughout the day. Temperatures will fall through the afternoon, dropping below freezing after sunset. Humidity will also be increasing over both fires today, rising to 60-70% over the course of the day. The changing weather conditions are also expected to temper fire activity today.
Extremely dangerous #CalwoodFire just north of Boulder, CO directly affecting WUI right now. I have observed multiple large fire vortices and a large, rotating pyrocumulus column. Wow. #COwx pic.twitter.com/BCnUhMIScn
— Daniel Swain (@Weather_West) October 17, 2020
