FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:  July 7, 2017
Contact: Erin Opsahl
(970) 423-8901
Erin.Opsahl@SummitCountyCO.Gov

SHERIFF’S OFFICE DOWNGRADES EVACUATION NOTICE FOR PEAK 7 

SUMMIT COUNTY, CO – On Friday, July 7, 2017 at 6 p.m. the Summit County Sheriff’s Office announced the mandatory evacuation notice will be changed to a pre-evacuation status for the Peak 7 neighborhood in Breckenridge. This change will take place at 8 p.m. Currently, the pre-evacuation area encompasses the area west of Hwy 9 from Cucumber Gulch and Valley Brook Rd to the South to the Iron Springs Construction Site to the North. 

The arrival of the Type 1 Incident Management Team brought expertise and fire management to the Peak 2 Fire yesterday. A fire modeling assessment was applied today which determined that there is minimal risk after today. Teams have also been able to begin putting in controls of certain areas of the fire which provide for public safety.  

Based on weather forecasts and fire behavior predictions, the current potential for significant fire spread will remain low through the weekend. Progress towards full containment of the fire is very slow due to the terrain and high density of dead trees so conditions could change. 

The re-population of Peak 7 residents will go into effect at 8 p.m. tonight, July 7 at the Barton Road and Airport Road entrance only. Others seeking to enter the area tonight may be approved at the discretion of the Incident Commander. All others will be permitted access on Saturday, July 8. The Sheriff’s Office considers the safety and security of residents and property on Peak 7 to be a high priority. 

Residents re-populating their homes should bring photo identification with a physical address (i.e. the credentials you were issued after you evacuated, utility bill, online account screen or similar document). Do not discard your credentials in the event that this neighborhood needs to be re-evacuated.

Undersheriff Joel Cochran stated, “Wildland fire conditions can change rapidly and the public should be prepared to evacuate should the need arise.  We feel that this change, based on the latest models, is a sensible balance between safety and public convenience.”

The Peak 7 neighborhood will remain on pre-evacuation status until further notice because there is still a risk. The public is reminded to stay vigilant and aware of the fire situation through media and information. If there are any questions please call the public information line at (970) 668-9730.

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