Single Publication

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1
Dan Dallas, Incident Commander

Information Phone: 970-648-4470 (public), 970-765-7123 (media)
Email: 2023.lowline@firenet.gov
Information Staffing Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Special Note: Burnout operations are carefully planned and initiated only when the right conditions align allowing firefighters to suppress the fire on their terms. A considerable amount of preparation has occurred over the past several days using hand crews and dozers to construct indirect firelines.

The Lowline Fire has generated large amounts of smoke, which can be concerning to communities in the surrounding areas. Although the fire is burning in heavy timber, some of the smoke has been generated from suppression-related burnout operations to the southwest and northeast sides of the fire. This is accomplished by removing vegetation and debris to create a break in fuels.

Current Situation: A Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) flew over the fire area earlier today mapping it at 1288 acres. Containment increased to 15%. The fire burned actively in the mixed conifers during the early parts of the day, but heavy clouds and rising humidity subdued fire behavior during afternoon hours.

In Division A, burnout operations continued using hand crews and aerial ignitions. Firefighters continued work on indirect and direct firelines. Structure protection crews scouted and assessed structures within the Division.

Firefighters in Division Z conducted additional burnout operations today to secure the southern fire perimeter. Crews also continued securing the segment of fireline established by yesterday’s burnout operation by patrolling along the fireline and mopping up hot spots.

In Division Y, an engine crew continued to secure existing fireline from yesterday’s burnout operations and was able to continue burning along a small portion of the ridgeline moving westward.

A crew in Division W continued working its way west from Division A burning out some of the fuels from inside the constructed indirect fireline. Structure protection crews continued assessing structure north of the fire.

Weather & Fuel Conditions: There was more cloud cover than anticipated with some precipitation that didn’t impact the fire. Temperatures were lower and relative humidity higher than forecasted.

Evacuations, Closures, and Fire Restrictions:

Mandatory evacuations are in place in the Squirrel Creek and Mill Creek drainages. For specific evacuation information, see Gunnison County Emergency Management at www.gunnisoncounty.org. You may sign up to receive emergency alerts on your phones or other devices at: https://bit.ly/3QhZVZg .

An area, road, and trail closure has been implemented on National Forest System lands near the fire area. For specifics see this link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1126172.pdf . BLM has implemented a temporary closure  in the fire vicinity. For details see this link: www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-information/colorado/southwest-district . County Roads in the fire vicinity are barricaded. In the interest of public safety, fire officials ask visitors to be aware of fire traffic and avoid the area.

There are currently no fire restrictions in Gunnison County. Should restrictions be implemented, they will be posted at this site: https://westslopefireinfo.com/gunnison-county/ .

Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t.  For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Lowline Fire Statistics:
Size: 1288 acres
Containment: 15%
Total Personnel: 419
Location: 14 mi. NNW of Gunnison, CO
Reported: 8:00 am July 26, 2023
Cause: lightning

For More Information:
Information Phone: 970-648-4470 (public), 970-765-7123 (media)
Email: 2023.lowline@firenet.gov
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cogmf-lowline-fire
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GMUGFireInfo