Media Contact: David Boyd, Forest Service Public Affairs Officer, 970 319-4895

 Ptarmigan Fire still active despite rain

 SILVERTHORNE, Colo. – Firefighters last night reported active fire throughout the night despite wetting rains, although the fire did not significantly grow.

 Operations today will focus on continued structure protection activities and creating fireline where it is safe and effective to do so. This area of the forest contains many standing dead trees, which create a significant hazard for crews working on the ground. Aircraft will assist with fire operations as weather allows.

 The Ptarmigan Fire is currently estimated to be 85-100 acres with no containment. The cause is under investigation.

 Moderate showers are expected by the afternoon with a mix of rain and snow. 

 The latest information on evacuations are available by signing up for Summit County Emergency Alerts (https://summitcountyco.gov/1149/Summit-County-Alert) and at https://www.facebook.com/SummitSheriffCO. A Red Cross Emergency Shelter is in place at the Summit Middle School.

 As air operations resume today, fire managers are reminding the public that use of drones or unmanned aircraft is strictly prohibited. All firefighting aircraft will stop flying if a drone is spotted, greatly impacting the firefighting effort.

 There will be a public briefing today at Silverthorne Town Hall, 601 Center Circle, at 11 a.m. and again at 6 p.m. The meeting will be livestreamed on the Summit County Government’s Facebook page.

 Current information is available on Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7857/, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WhiteRiverNF, and from the Ptarmigan Fire Hotline at 970 668-9700.

For more information about current fire restrictions and wildfire prevention, visit www.SummitCountyCO.gov/wildfire. 

Register for emergency notifications at www.SCAlert.org.