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.

Current Situation: The Lowline Fire is currently 1096 acres and is 7% contained. Firefighters conducted burnout operations on portions of the fire perimeter yesterday to remove fuels between the fire edge and control lines. This creates a fuel-free zone that is effective in stopping fire spread. Meanwhile, fireline construction continued on other portions of the fire, and structure protection forces performed structure assessments and preparation work near the fire’s southern flank. A night shift patrolled the burned areas to ensure no unexpected fire activity occurred. Rain fell on the fire for about 10 minutes overnight.

In Division A, aerial firing operations performed by helicopter removed heavy conifer fuels from a portion of the fire’s eastern side. Work with dozers and hand crews continued to extend and improve firelines. Today, crews will patrol and hold what has been burned, and additional areas of burnout may be executed, weather permitting, during the morning hours before thunderstorms arrive. This includes burning along an indirect fireline on the north side of the fire.  Additional smoke and aircraft will be visible during these burn operations.

A timber stringer in Division Z was also burned yesterday to remove potentially problematic fuels. Today, crews will focus on patrolling, holding, and mopping up this segment of fireline. Mopping up means fully extinguishing any remaining hotspots near the fireline to ensure the fire does not cross the line into unburned fuels.

In Division Y yesterday, an engine and crew began working its way up the ridge extending westward from the fire to prepare it for use as an indirect containment line. The crew began preparation work on the lower reaches of the ridge to facilitate fireline construction. This same work will continue today.

A crew in Division W began working its way west from the Division A break, scouting containment line options and beginning construction of indirect fireline towards the Wilderness. This work will continue today.

Weather & Fuel Conditions:

Weather for the next few days will continue to be mild with a warming trend. Winds will generally be relatively calm. There is a chance of rain over the next several days. Some storms may have heavy wetting rains. There is a possibility of high winds near thunderstorm activity.

Fuels in the fire area are mixed conifer with a heavy dead and down component, transitioning to grass and shrubs at the lower elevations. Potential for fire spread is moderate to high. Fire is not spreading in live herbaceous fuels, but mixed conifer is readily burning.

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: 996 acres
Containment: 7%
Total Personnel: 322
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