Swift Response Contains Arkansas River Bottom Fire

Arkansas River Bottom Fire June 14^th, 2013- Fire Report

Prowers County Rural Fire Department was called to a fire on the Arkansas River bottom Friday evening June 14^th, the fire was fueled by high winds and the extremely dry vegetation.  The department responded with 15 firefighters and 7 apparatus.  Mutual aid was immediately called for from the Wiley Fire District which responded with 5 firefighters and 3 apparatus.  Aerial resources were called upon within minutes and a refilling location at the Lamar Airport was established with the City of Lamar Street Department supplying a tender.  Uncontrollable circumstances made air resources unavailable for the fire fight.  Prowers County Road and Bridge immobilized immediately also with dozers, maintainers, front end loaders and a tender.  The fire was declared contained by 10:30PM and resources were demobilized at midnight.

The fire was started by a witnessed lighting strike on the north side of the Arkansas River, fire resources had to be stationed on the south side of the river also in case it jumped the river, which it did, burning a small area.  A loader had to clear an area so fire apparatus could reach the fire on the south side.  The fire made its mark on the north side by burning approximately 150 acres.  Road and Bridge resources largely contributed to stopping the fire by building fire breaks throughout the fire zone and on the west end of the fire. 

Prowers County Sheriffs Office provided and staffed the Incident Command Post while providing traffic control.  The Lamar Police Department assisted with traffic control at 14^th and Oak and 13^th and Maple.  Lamar Fire Department established water fill points at the Cow Palace and McCorkles Park.

Meals were provided by B.J.’s Burger and Beverage and Loves Country Store.  1 apparatus and 2 firefighters remained on scene until 9:00 Saturday morning working as fire patrol.  There were 2 flare ups on Saturday where both fires were in the containment area and were extinguished without incident. 

Holly Fire District was on standby for the East part of the county and for more resources if required.  Hasty/McClave and LasAnimas were on standby also if needed.  No evacuations were needed; no damages from the fire have been reported.

(courtesy photos)