=========================================================
PRESS RELEASE – update 2-15-08 pm
RE: FEB 15, 2008 DECLARATION OF DISASTER AND EMERGENCY
IN PARK COUNTY




















As of 5 pm today the South Park Drift Incident is officially over.  Crew
worked through the day to make a final push and have
accomplished accessing 90%-95% of the roads.  Park County Road
and Bridge will now resume normal plowing operations.  Baca
County and the Department of Corrections will have crews helping
through the weekend, but all other crews have gone home.

It is important for residents to understand that during the emergency
operations resources were available to assist with some private
roads, particularly for those with disabilities and health issues.  The
county will not be able to continue this practice.  Residents will have
to take steps to get their private driveways and roads cleared on
their own.

In all, over 600 miles of road have been made accessible by this
operation and 70 emergency contacts or deliveries were made.  In
order to make those roads accessible, 340 miles of road have been
cleared.  By opening these roads we gained access to an additional
250 miles of road that had been blocked.

Park County would like to thank all of the people and agencies that
have donated their time, energy, supplies, and money to help make
this a very successful and safe emergency operation.  Thanks go to
Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, Arapahoe County Office of
Emergency Management, Baca County, Colorado Department of
Transportation, Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office, Clear Creek
County Office of Emergency Management, City of Colorado Springs,
The Department of Corrections, El Paso County, Jefferson County
Road and Bridge, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Pueblo County,
The Red Cross, The Salvation Army, and the hundreds of volunteers
and well wishers who offered their support.

CONTACT – Park County Public Information Officer – North-West
Fire Protection District Fire Chief Mike Roll at 719 836-3150.
=========================================================
PRESS RELEASE – update 2-15-08 am
RE: FEB 15, 2008 DECLARATION OF DISASTER AND EMERGENCY
IN PARK COUNTY














After yesterday’s assessment by members of the South Park Drift
Incident Management Team, the snow removal operations will be
turned over to the Park County Road and Bridge at approximately 2:
00 pm today.  At that time normal county snow removal operations
will resume.  All the state and regional equipment that has been
assisting, other than Baca County and the Department of
Corrections, will be sent home throughout the day.  The Baca and
DOC crews will remain to assist with widening and emergency
rescue missions.

It is important for residents to understand that during the emergency
operations resources were available to assist with some private
roads, particularly for those with disabilities and health issues.  The
county will not be able to continue this practice.  Residents will have
to take steps to get their private driveways and roads cleared on
their own.

In all, over 600 miles of road have been made accessible by this
operation and 68 emergency contacts or deliveries were made.  In
order to make those roads accessible, 220 miles of road have been
cleared and another 121 miles are passable but still need some
clearing and widening work.  By opening these roads we have
gained access to an additional 250 miles of road that had been
blocked.

Park County would like to thank all of the people and agencies that
have donated their time, energy, supplies, and money to help make
this a very successful and safe emergency operation.  Thanks go to
Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, Arapahoe County Office of
Emergency Management, Baca County, Colorado Department of
Transportation, Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office, Clear Creek
County Office of Emergency Management, City of Colorado Springs,
The Department of Corrections, El Paso County, Jefferson County
Road and Bridge, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Pueblo County,
The Red Cross, The Salvation Army, and the hundreds of volunteers
and well wishers who offered their support.

CONTACT – Park County Public Information Officer – North-West
Fire Protection District Fire Chief Mike Roll at 719 836-3150.
=========================================================
PRESS RELEASE – update 2-14-08 1400
RE: FEB 14, 2008 DECLARATION OF DISASTER AND EMERGENCY
IN PARK COUNTY













After an eyes on assessment by Park County Sheriff Fred Wegener,
Park County Emergency Manager Lori Hodges, and Park County
Road and Bridge supervisor Dave Kintz it has been determined that
by 1400 tomorrow all of the emergency and life safety objectives of
this declaration will have been met.  At that time Road and Bridge will
assume control of all snow removal operations.
All the state and regional equipment that has been assisting, other
than Baca County and the Department of Corrections will be sent
home Friday afternoon.  The Baca and DOC crews will remain to
assist with widening and emergency rescue missions.

It is important for residents to understand that during the emergency
operations resources were available to assist with some private
roads, particularly for those with disabilities and health issues.  The
county will not be able to continue this practice.  Residents will have
to take steps to get their private driveways and roads cleared on
their own.

Park County would like to thank all of the people and agencies that
have donated their time, energy, supplies, and money to help make
this a very successful and safe emergency operation.  Thanks go to
Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, Arapahoe County Office of
Emergency Management, Baca County, Colorado Department of
Transportation, Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office, Clear Creek
County Office of Emergency Management, City of Colorado Springs,
The Department of Corrections, El Paso County, Jefferson County
Road and Bridge, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Pueblo County,
The Red Cross, The Salvation Army, and the hundreds of volunteers
and well wishers who offered their support.

The South Park Drift Fund will remain open for those wishing to
donate money to help off set the cost of this emergency operation.
Checks can be made out to Park County and mailed to P.O. Box
1373, Fairplay, CO 80440.  Be sure to put “South Park Drift Fund” in
the memo section.  
Final costs are unavailable at this time.

CONTACT – Park County Public Information Officer – North-West
Fire Protection District Fire Chief Mike Roll at 719 836-3150.
=========================================================
PRESS RELEASE – update 2-14-08 am
RE: FEB 14, 2008 DECLARATION OF DISASTER AND EMERGENCY
IN PARK COUNTY














Today’s operations will continue despite the heavy snow and
overnight drifting and snow removal crews will attempt to gain
access to those areas that have had limited or no access for
propane deliveries.  Current conditions are heavy snow, up to 4-6
inches has already fallen in some areas, and light winds.  We expect
the winds to pick up during the day.

Unfortunately we have had our first known fatality that has been a
direct result of the conditions.  Yesterday afternoon a semi truck
collided with an SUV, killing the driver of the SUV.  The accident is
still being investigated, but indications are wind and icy patches of
road were major contributors to the accident.

Resources remain from throughout the state and will continue
efforts through at least Friday.  In addition to the 30 snow removal
vehicles from Park County, we have received equipment and
personnel from Pueblo, Baca, Jefferson, Arapahoe Office of
Emergency Management, and El Paso Counties as well as Colorado
Springs and the Department of Corrections.  We expect to have 80%
of the primary travel roads cleared by the end of today and 90%-95%
by the end of Friday.

In all, 21 rescue missions have been performed, reaching as many as
45 homes.  These missions involved making food and/or medicine
deliveries to people in need.  Search and Rescue equipment and
personnel from Arapahoe Office of Emergency Management, Clear
Creek, and Jefferson Counties are assisting Park County crews with
this.  All of the priority missions have been accomplished and as of
now no evacuations have been necessary at this time, but should
the need arise we have a shelter on standby.  Red Cross, the
Salvation Army, and local volunteers have helped set up the shelters
and are providing warm meals for responders.

All state and federal highways, as well as most County Roads
through Park County remain open at this time.
To put this incident into some perspective – Park County is
approximately 2,200 square miles, the state of Delaware is less than
2,000.  There are more miles of road in Park County than Delaware.  
The blizzards of last year in southwest Colorado involved 6
counties.  The area involved in Park County alone is 1/3 of that.

Residents are reminded that they are responsible to maintain their
driveways as much as possible.  Roads will be opened as best we
can, but the homeowners need to create access for the propane
delivery trucks on their property.

FACT  SHEET

PLOWING – Park County has 16 graders with plows and wings, 7
loaders, and 7 snowplow trucks working at this time.  All equipment
is out on the roads at this time.  We have also received 1 grader from
Pueblo County, 1 loader/blower from El Paso County, 2 loaders from
Baca County, 1 dozer from Jefferson County, 2 dozers from
Arapahoe County, and 1 grader, 1 loader, 4 dozers, and 1 backhoe
from the Department of Corrections with staff and offenders to
operate them.  This is the first time the DOC’s program has been
called to assist

HOW MANY ARE STRANDED – Updated estimates are that up to 250
homes have been drifted in.  Of the 200 that we have not made
physical contact with, plows are working to access their roads or we
have verified in some way that the residents are safe.

HOW HAS TRAVEL BEEN AFFECTED – All roads are open, however
visibility is limited due to high winds and blowing snow.  Blowing
snow is anticipated throughout the day.

HOW DO I GET HELP? – The public is asked to call 719 836-4160.  
DO NOT CALL 911 – The emergency dispatch staff has been
inundated with calls delaying response time.   Emergency 911
response is running normally – if you have a fire, police or
emergency medical need please call 911 for assistance.

HOW CAN I HELP? – There has been an outpouring of support from
around the State with offers to donate time, food, and equipment. “
One of the most important things we can do right now is to come
together as a community.  If you have neighbors you know are
stuck, get out and see what they need and make sure they are
alright.”   For individuals who wish to donate funds to help with
these rescue and snow removal efforts Park County has established
a fund account.  Checks can be made out to Park County and mailed
to P.O. Box 1373, Fairplay, CO 80440.  Be sure to put “South Park
Drift Fund” in the memo section.

CONTACT – Park County Public Information Officer – North-West
Fire Protection District Fire Chief Mike Roll at 719 836-3150.
=========================================================
PRESS RELEASE – update 2-13-08 pm
RE: FEB 13, 2008 DECLARATION OF DISASTER AND EMERGENCY
IN PARK COUNTY

Sunny skies and calmer winds have helped rescue and snow
removal operations take big strides in getting to Park County
residents.  Rescue operations involved contacting families that have
been without phones and delivering food, as well as assisting
ranchers get feed to their livestock.  Snow removal crews were able
to get access to several more roads, which is allowing propane
deliveries into those areas.

Resources remain from throughout the state and will continue
efforts through the week.  In addition to the 30 snow removal
vehicles from Park County, we have received equipment and
personnel from Pueblo, Baca, Jefferson, El Paso, and Garfield
Counties as well as Colorado Springs, Department of Corrections,
and CDOT.  

In all, 21 rescue missions have been performed, reaching as many as
45 homes.  These missions involved making food and/or medicine
deliveries to people in need.  Search and Rescue equipment and
personnel from Arapahoe, Clear Creek, and Jefferson Counties are
assisting Park County crews with this.  No evacuations have been
necessary at this time, but should the need arise we have a shelter
on standby.  Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and local volunteers
have helped set up the shelters and are providing warm meals for
responders and victims.

Tonight’s forecast shows the possibility for more high winds and up
to a foot of new snow.  Residents in Park County are encouraged to
stock extra stores of food, fuel and necessary medications and if
possible should make every effort to collect those necessities before
the next storm in case conditions should again block access roads.  
Severe weather is a possibility over the remainder of the winter.  

All state and federal highways, as well as most County Roads
through Park County are open at this time.

There has been an outpouring of support from around the State with
offers to donate time, food, and equipment. “ One of the most
important things we can do right now is to come together as a
community.  If you have neighbors you know are stuck, get out and
see what they need and make sure they are alright.”   For individuals
who wish to donate funds to help with these rescue and snow
removal efforts Park County has established a fund account.  
Checks can be made out to Park County and mailed to P.O. Box
1373, Fairplay, CO 80440.  Be sure to put “South Park Drift Fund” in
the memo section.

FACT  SHEET

PLOWING – Park County has 16 graders with plows and wings, 7
loaders, and 7 snowplow trucks working at this time.  All equipment
is out on the roads at this time.  We have also received 1 grader from
Pueblo County, 1 loader/blower from El Paso County, 2 loaders from
Baca County, 1 dozer from Jefferson County, 2 dozers from
Arapahoe County, and 2 loaders, 1 loader/blower, 2 loader/plows, 2
dozers, 1 truck/blower, and 2 graders from CDOT, and 1 grader, 1
loader, 1 dozer, and 1 backhoe from the Department of Corrections
with 4 staff and 4 offenders to operate them.  We are anticipating
more help from the Department of Corrections to arrive tomorrow.

HOW MANY ARE STRANDED – Updated estimates are that up to 250
homes have been drifted in.  Of the 200 that we have not made
physical contact with, plows are working to access their roads or we
have verified in some way that the residents are safe.

HOW HAS TRAVEL BEEN AFFECTED – All roads are open, however
visibility may be very limited due to high winds and blowing snow.  
Blowing snow is anticipated tonight and tomorrow.

WHAT ABOUT A DIRE EMERGENCY? – Volunteers with Park County
Search and Rescue as well as crews from Arapahoe, Clear Creek,
and Jefferson Counties have been staged around the county to
respond to emergencies and will begin rescue operation toady.  
Other departments will respond as required.

HOW DO I GET HELP? – The public is asked to call 719 836-4160.  
DO NOT CALL 911 – The emergency dispatch staff has been
inundated with calls delaying response time.   Emergency 911
response is running normally – if you have a fire, police or
emergency medical need please call 911 for assistance

CONTACT – Park County Public Information Officer – North-West
Fire Protection District Fire Chief Mike Roll at 719 836-3150.
==========================================================
Park County has declared a disaster and emergency due to
the weather conditions and the constant high winds.
For more info go to: http://www.parkco.us/oem.htm

Snow Contractors by location
Attached is a list of contractors available in the region to assist
homeowners with their snow removal needs.  We do not endorse or
recommend any contractor, but provide this as a resource list only.

Chief Mike Roll
North-West Fire Protection District
P.O. Box 1090/21455 Hwy 285
Fairplay, CO 80440
719-836-3150 phone
719-836-7231 fax
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Park County

Tom Hatton  719-689-2251
Back hoe, skid steer loader

Mike Brown  303-838-1860
Front Loader

Jeff Carnahan  719-839-7085
2 big loaders and 1 grader

Franken Excavating  303-210-9511
303-944-9532
back hoe & skid in Indian Mtn

Rick Peters  719-836-7060
D8 (big) bulldozer

All around Excavating  303-836-0928
Rachelle  D5 bulldozer

JD Snow removal  303-669-7568
Big loader in Fairplay

Nearby areas

High Plains Construction  303-888-5672
Loaders & Graders

Mark Burris 303-349-1899
Skid steer loader

Bald Eagle Snow Removal  970-904-2387
Plow Trucks & loaders

1st Choice Equipment  303-429-7004
Skid loaders w/ blades & buckets

SCIC Services  720-329-8084
951-219-9289
snowplow trucks & front loaders

Cook Bros 970-520-5194
Loader & dump truck

Barry Trucking  720-373-7015    
303-932-0632
several loaders in Salida

Tarco Inc- Rob Rogers  303-429-2221 ext 157
Heavy construction/ big loaders

Triple L Contracting – Drew  303-842-2022
Back hoes & Loaders

Kevin Peterson  303-324-4990
Skid steer loader with snow blower

Jeff Sprague  970-630-0859
Big  John Deere tractor with V plow for long roads

Brian snow removal in Denver 303-503-8309
Snowplow trucks

New American Pipeline- Harry- 303-507-6993
Big loaders &  heavy eqpt

Vic Ward- Ward Const.  970-566-1553
8.5 ft snowblower  in Loveland

Barry Kindvall  970-405-4947
2 front end loaders

All Grade Excavating  719-382-1191
Front end loader
=========================================================
North-West Fire Protection District