Narrative: An estimated 4,400 acres have burned in Fremont County on private and BLM public lands west of Canon City in and adjacent to the Deer Mountain subdivision. The Iron Mountain fire, reported at 1:30 pm on Sunday, June 2nd, quickly grew, forcing the evacuation of subdivision residents and their livestock. Of the 200 residences and 100 outbuildings threatened Sunday by the fire, approximately 100 residences burned, according to the Fremont county Sheriff. However, 30 homes were saved due to successful fire protection and quick response from air operations. Firefighters used air attack today coupled with on-the-ground resources to fight this fire. No injuries have been reported, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Control efforts with handcrews, dozers, engines, helicopters and airtankers limited the fire spread today.  Only one additional structure was lost today.

Operations Section Chief Jim Dunn explained why air support was so effective today.  According to Jim, there was excellent communication and coordination of air tanker and helicopter drops.  This was accomplished between the fire fighters on the ground and the pilots.  For example, signal mirrors were used to indicate the exact location that the drops were needed.  Over the radio, pilots were given an immediate and objective evaluation of the drops, helping them improve or adjust on the next one.  Air tankers laid down retardant lines to contain and the helicopters cooled the hot spots. This strategy for today worked.  Now the tough job of crews building and improving fire line, and mop up begins.  This fire is still potentially dangerous, but a favorable weather forecast for the next two days may help.

This will be the last update by the Type II team.  The Type I team takes over at 6 AM Tuesday.