From another state, with clear air at 8400 feet elevation, I put in a call to Bob Poole, media liason to the Pocket Fire to get an update. As I wandered the stormy shores of Eagle's Nest lake watching black and white pelicans, my phone rang.
I had a number of questions for Bob that I hadn't seen covered in the updates I check on a few times daily.
Q. I had seen on a recent update that opening 89A had been mentioned. Do you know when that will happen?
A.No date has been given but 10 different jurisdictions are at work coordinating it and it should be very soon.
Q.When I spoke with Dick Fleishman at the start of the fire, when there was 0% contaainment, he told me the fire wouldn't stop until we had signifgant rain. Is the fact the rain hasnt happened and we have this level of containment signifigant?
A. We have gone all out to get it contained. There is currently little fire activity.
Q.Do you feel the worst of the smoke is past us now?
A.Yes.
Q. Tell me about Enchantment.
A. I was there a few days ago and it was very close. It was on the next hill. We have given this area a lot of resources. There is a dip site for helicopters nearby.
Q. How about Long Canyon? Has it burned?
A.Long Canyon was one of our priorities because of the cultural sites and we are succeeding in containing the fire and keeping it out of that area.