The following press release was sent to local media at approximately 10 p.m., Wednesday, July 5:


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Katelyn Jerman, U.S. Forest Service: (970) 948 - 1845

Peak Two Fire Forces Evacuation of Summit County Neighborhood

SUMMIT COUNTY, COLO., July 5, 2017 – The Peak 7 neighborhood in Summit County remains under evacuation Wednesday night, following the spread of the Peak Two Fire. Initial reports of the fire, located between Breckenridge and Frisco, came into the Summit County 911 Center at 11:11 a.m., Wednesday, July 5.

“The Peak 7 Neighborhood, which includes approximately 463 residences, was placed on pre-evacuation at 2:30 p.m. and elevated to full evacuation at 3 p.m.,” said Red, White and Blue Fire Chief Jim Keating. “The Silver Shekel neighborhood and Town of Breckenridge were added to pre-evacuation notice at 3:15 p.m. and remain under pre-evacuation now. At 3:45 p.m., the Gold Hill neighborhood was added to pre-evecuation notice. Total fire acreage is estimated to be 84 acres.”

No injuries have been reported, and no structures have been destroyed as a result of the fire; no highway closures have been issued.

The Summit County Sheriff’s Office and Breckenridge Police Department have been patrolling the Peak 7 neighborhood to inform the residents about the evacuation order. The Sheriff’s Office encourages the public to comply with the evacuation order, which is in place for the safety of the public.

“I know this is a very difficult time for everyone in Summit County. Wildfires are one of the biggest threats our community faces, and incidents like this are extremely frightening," Summit County Commissioner Dan Gibbs said. "We're doing everything we can to work with our partners to put out the fire.”

Summit Middle School is serving as an evacuation shelter. The shelter will remain open until 10 p.m. Wednesday night and will reopen at 8 a.m. Thursday morning. No evacuees requested that the shelter remain open overnight Wednesday.

On Wednesday morning, before the Peak Two Fire ignited, local fire districts had elevated the fire danger in Summit County to “very high.” On Wednesday afternoon, the Summit County Board of Commissioners issued Stage 1 fire restrictions, banning open fires and fireworks. The ban does not prohibit the use of barbecue grills.

The following resources have been dedicated to the Peak Two Fire:

• Eight smoke jumpers 
• One 21-person hotshot crew
• Two heavy air tankers dropping retardant
• Two helicopters dropping buckets of water 
• Responding local fire agencies: Red, White & Blue Fire; Lake Dillon Fire; Copper Mountain Fire; Leadville Fire Department; Vail Fire Department; Kremmling Fire; North-West Fire 

“Crews used direct and indirect suppression tactics in coordination with aerial resources,” said Bill Jackson, Dillon District Ranger. “Crews will monitor the fire throughout the night, and we will regroup tomorrow morning. We appreciate the response and coordination of our partners throughout the last few hours.”

Because of the wildfire activity in Summit County and surrounding areas, the community is experiencing moderate smoke levels, which are not expected to be a significant health concern. Smoke levels are expected to increase overnight, especially in low-lying areas or valleys. Overnight smoke could become unhealthy depending weather and fire activity.

If wildfire smoke causes visibility to be less than five miles in your neighborhood, smoke levels are unhealthy. References of five-mile visibility are as follows:
• If you are in downtown Dillon and unable to see Buffalo Mountain
• If you are in Breckenridge and unable to see Peak 8
• If you are at the Frisco Marina and unable to see Buffalo Mountain.

Members of the public can call 970-668-9730 for more information, beginning at 8 a.m., Thursday, July 6. Members of the media can call 970-668-9725, beginning at 8 a.m. on Thursday. 

For the most recent information on the Peak 2 Fire, follow White River National Forest: Facebook and Twitter (#Peak2Fire) and Summit County Sheriff’s Office: Facebook and Twitter (#Peak2Fire)