Above: The Boco Fire, shortly after it started June 9, 2018. Eagle County Sheriff’s Office photo.
The Boco Fire, one of two fires on Saturday in Eagle County, Colorado, quickly grew to over 400 acres in a few hours. It started 8 miles northeast of Eagle and was aggressively attacked as orders were placed for 5 Heavy Air Tankers, 1 Lead Plane, 1 Air Attack, 2 Single Engine Air Tankers, 1 Type 1 Helicopter, 1 Type 3 Helicopter, 1 Hotshot crew, and 1 Type 2 Initial Attack Crew. The aircraft assisted the firefighters on the ground who responded from several agencies.
Officials report Sunday morning that it has burned 415 acres. Most of Colorado was under a Red Flag Warning Saturday which is still in effect Sunday.
A few miles away a man shooting at exploding targets started another fire Saturday that was suppressed by firefighters while it was still fairly small.
Below is an excellent video of an air tanker drop on the fire by what appears to be an RJ85 air tanker (or possibly a BAe-146).
#BoccoFire is being estimated at 80 acres currently with crews in scene. pic.twitter.com/VuIeiLKcJq
— Eagle County Sheriff (@EagleCountySO) June 10, 2018
UPDATE #BoccoFire is now at 415 acres. Heavy suppression efforts are underway. Hwy 131 remains open this morning and may be closed this afternoon if necessary. pic.twitter.com/PwtgIqG3Lf
— Eagle County Sheriff (@EagleCountySO) June 10, 2018
Praying for the safety of the firefighters.
Heavy Aggressive IA by Agency(s) Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) is the only option during drought and Red Flag Conditions.