Coal Seam Fire Emergency Watershed Protection Program/EWP Report

STATE NAME : COLORADO (CO020611a)

DATE OF THIS REPORT: June 21, 2002

CONTACT: NAME: Stuart N. Simpson PHONE #: 720-544-2804

DISASTER NAME: Coal Seam Fire

DISASTER DATE: June 8, 2002

INITIAL REPORT: X

COUNTIES AFFECTED and DEGREE AFFECTED: Garfield County - Severe

DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS: 12,209 acres burned - oak brush and grass is burning on private, Bureau of Land Management Land, and the White River National Forest - 4 miles west of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Twenty-nine (29) homes, One (1) commercial structure and 14 outbuildings destroyed.

EWP ACTIONS TO DATE: As a result of destruction Twenty-nine (29) homes, One (1) commercial structure, and 14 outbuildings were destroyed.  The National Burn Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER) Team is working in the affected area. An NRCS Engineer is assisting on the BAER Team and an NRCS District Conservationist is acting as an advisor regarding Private Lands.

HUMAN INTEREST EXAMPLES: The Coal Seam Fire burn area is adjacent to the area of the Storm King fire of 1994. Those who were initially evacuated have been allowed to return to their homes.

URGENT PROBLEMS AND/OR NEEDS: (additional comments): There is a goal of restoration and preventive measures before the monsoon rains begin.

Limited resource communities affected: None

Projects (such as PL-566, RC&D) that have helped to limit damages: None