Single Publication

Lowline Fire Update

Saturday, August 12, 2023 – 9:00 a.m.

Type 3 Incident Management

Bryan Gaines, 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: Due to improving air quality, today will be the last posting of the Smoke Outlook for the Lowline Fire. Those still wishing to view the Smoke Outlook can find them here: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/ed63b240

*On Monday, August 14th, the Lowline Fire Information and Media numbers will be deactivated. Moving forward, for active fire information, please call the GMUG Fire Information Hotline at (970) 874-6602. For any other USFS questions, please contact your local USFS District Office.

Current Situation: The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest, Gunnison Ranger District, updated the forest closure orders for areas at noon yesterday. The complete closure order can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1129908.pdf.

Crews working the Lowline Fire continue patrolling the northeastern area of the fire perimeter between Middle Creek and Mill Creek. Firefighters are also monitoring the mountain ridge on the southwestern portion of the fire, between Squirrel Creek and Mill Creek and near the West Elk Wilderness boundary. Crews are performing “mop-up” operations, which is the process of manually locating and extinguishing any areas of residual heat which may threaten the lines in both areas.

Weather & Fuel Conditions: Today will bring slightly more moisture and a higher chance of precipitation to the Gunnison area, though there is minimal chance of wetting rain in the specific area of the Lowline Fire. Temperatures are expected to be in the high 70s with a 60 percent chance of rain. West/Northwest winds are expected to be between 5-10 miles per hour and gusts between 20-25 mph.

Evacuations, Closures, and Fire Restrictions: A pre-evacuation order remains in effect for residents along CR 727 along Mill Creek. No other evacuations or pre-evacuations are in place near the fire.  For additional evacuation information, see Gunnison County Emergency Management at www.gunnisoncounty.org and sign up to receive emergency alerts at https://bit.ly/3QhZVZg.

National Forest closure: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1129908.pdf
BLM temporary closure: https://on.doi.gov/45lN2le

County Roads: In the interest of public safety, fire officials ask visitors to be aware of fire personnel and avoid the area around Lowline Fire, especially the forest closure areas and pre-evacuation area along CR 727.

Fire restrictions in Gunnison County: None.

Smoke Outlook: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/ed63b240

Lowline Fire Statistics:

Size: 1871 acres         

Containment: 55%

Total Personnel:133    

Cause: lightning

Location: 14 mi. NNW of Gunnison, CO

Reported: 8:00 am July 26, 2023

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