June 6 Wilson Crossing Fire Update

Wilson Crossing Fire Update 
June 6, 2020 11:00 a.m. 

Bureau of Land Management 
Front Range Fire and Aviation Management Unit 
John Markalunas, Incident Commander 

Fire Information: (719) 315-0690 
Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Crews Respond to Wilson Crossing Fire in Huerfano County 

Current Situation: The Wilson Crossing Fire is burning in pinyon/juniper and grass in eastern Huerfano County on Bureau of Land Management-managed lands approximately one mile south of the Pueblo County line. County and Federal engine crews were assisted by a Type 3 helicopter, single-engine air tankers (SEATs), and a large air tanker through the afternoon and evening. Multiple retardant drops through the day and increased cloud cover in the afternoon checked the fire’s spread into the evening. 
 
Two crews – one hotshot crew and one Type 2 Initial Attack crew - will be joining the efforts on the Wilson Crossing Fire today. The Type 3 helicopter remains assigned to the incident and will continue aerial support with water bucket drops through the day, as needed. Four SEATs will continue to support suppression efforts. Crews are working to protect a power line north and east of the fire. No structures are threatened at this time. 

A public information phone line has been established for current information on the Wilson Crossing Fire. An Inciweb page has also been established. That site, https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6735/, will be updated as information becomes available. 

The fire will be visible from the I-25 corridor and from nearby towns during periods of increased fire activity. 

Weather: Partly sunny skies are expected through the morning with numerous showers and thunderstorms after noon. Temperatures are forecast to be in the upper 80s to low 90s in the area of the fire. Humidity is forecast to be in the mid-to-upper teens through the day. Winds are expected to increase through the day with lightning, hail, and gusty winds possible with any storms that develop this afternoon. 

Fire Restrictions: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for BLM-managed lands in Huerfano County. Huerfano County also has Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in place. For details on these restrictions, please visit https://go.usa.gov/xvhGj for information on BLM fire restrictions and https://huerfano.us for Huerfano County’s restrictions. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Wilson Crossing Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area. More info, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org. 

Wilson Crossing Fire Statistics:
Size:  Approximately 117 acres 
Containment:  0% 
Total Personnel: 35 
Cause: Under Investigation  
Start Date:  June 5, 2020
Location: 17 miles southeast of Colorado City 

Contact Information: 
 InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6735/ 
Facebook: facebook.com/BLMColoradoFire 
Fire Information Office: (719) 315-0690