Fire
Colorado’s lack luster ski season has fire season off to an unfortunate early start. On Saturday June 9th, the Bocco wildfire was ignited 3 miles north of Wolcott, CO and according to InciWeb, had burned about 415 acres as of Sunday evening. Three males in a red and white truck were seen hastily leaving the area shortly after the fire started, as was a white sedan. Extremely dry conditions throughout the state were very likely a contributing factor.
The fire appears to have been sparked this weekend near the Wolcott gun range. A tour guide in the area saw a group of men firing semi-automatic weapons into the trees and brush adjacent to the range. Numerous parties witnessed smoke a short time later and alerted authorities who were on the scene within two hours.
The three white males with long hair seen racing away from the area are being sought for questioning by the Eagle County Sheriff’s Department in connection with the blaze. It is also being reported that one was wearing an orange shirt. It’s unclear if these men are facing any charges at this time.
The Bocco Fire is burning on BLM and private land, and poses a threat to about 37 structures to the north. The Alkali Creek neighborhood has been evacuated. Despite Red Flag fire weather warnings, crews were able to keep the fire west of Highway 131, and had it about 20 percent contained. An unauthorized drone in the area briefly shut down all air operations on the fire Sunday afternoon. A temporary flight restriction is currently in place, so please keep the drones at home while the pros do their work!
