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Pine Ridge Fire Evacuations Partially Lifted

by KREX News Room
by Danielle Kreutter

Story Created: Jun 29, 2012 at 10:53 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jun 30, 2012 at 11:25 AM MDT

DE BEQUE, Colo.- Evacuation orders have been partially lifted for some residents, including those along Interstate 70 and the Frontage Road from the De Beque Interchange south to S 1/2 Road, as well as the area between the Colorado River and 45 1/2 Road.

Parts of southern De Beque are still under an evacuation notice, leaving most of northern De Beque in pre-evacuation status.

"You want to be thinking about it way in advance of having to evacuate so that you're not scrambling at the very last minute," said Kate Porras of the Grand Junction Police Department.

Before a wildfire threatens your area, officials suggest to plan more than one escape route and to prepare a family evacuation kit.

The kit should contain the following: clothes, footwear, blankets, food, a first aid kit, emergency tools, credit cards and cash.

Residents should also locate important documents such as insurance policies, passports and family records.

Corey Jenkins has lived in De Beque for seven years. She says she's never seen anything like this and is making sure her family is prepared. "I'm just glad we have the opportunity to get our things packed because I know some people don't always get that."

If you are in an area asked to evacuate, authorities want you to leave immediately and safely.

Residents are urged to wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes, take an evacuation kit and tie a white cloth to the front door. The white cloth indicates to authorities that a home has been evacuated.

While evacuating, choose a route that is away from fire hazards.

Fire authorities spent Friday morning back burning to prevent the Pine Ridge Fire from moving toward De Beque, but if it does, authorities say there is an easy way to keep updated.

By visiting www.GJCity.org and clicking the link under "Alerts & Notices" you can register a cell phone number to as many addresses as you want to receive the latest safety alerts.

If you are a resident who lives in an area under the remaining evacuation notices, Red Cross officials say Palisade High School will remain open as a shelter until all evacuation orders are lifted.

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