While the attentions of most on the Hill were absorbed in dealing with the Cranston Fire, Pinyon residents had to contend with their own blaze.
On Thursday, July 26, shortly before noon, units at the Cranston Fire Incident Command camp responded to reports of a wildland fire at Highway 74 and Ribbonwood Drive outside of Pinyon. The first arriving engine company reported 1 to 2 acres of vegetation involved with a moderate rate of fire spread.
By 1 p.m., the fire had grown to 50 acres with no containment. It grew steadily such that a half-hour later it had doubled in size, still with no containment.
Evacuation warnings were issued at 5 p.m. for Alpine Village, Pinyon Crest and Pinyon Pines. Dozens of streets were impacted.
At 7:30 p.m., and again at 9:30, the Ribbon Fire was estimated at 200 acres with only 5 percent containment, and the same evacuation orders remained in place.
At 8:15 a.m. Friday, the blaze was still estimated at 200 acres, but with 30 percent containment. Evacuation warnings were lifted at 10 a.m.
By Friday night, the containment was estimated at 45 percent, which increased to 60 percent by Saturday morning, 70 percent by Saturday night and 75 percent by Sunday morning, with burned acreage estimated at 205 acres. Containment reached an estimated 95 percent by Monday morning.
Altogether, 175 firefighters were assigned to the Ribbon Fire, along with 12 engine companies, seven fire crews, three bulldozers and three water tenders. No air attack was utilized, and no injuries or structural damage were reported.
If the cause of the Ribbon Fire has been determined, it has not yet been reported.
