Single Publication

Spring Creek Fire Update

Montrose, Colorado, Sept. 13, 2023

Name: Spring Creek Fire

Location: East of Divide road, North of Spring Creek Canyon. The fire is approximately 15 miles southwest of Montrose, Colorado.

Size: Approximately 16 acres                                   

Behavior: Creeping and smoldering and isolated torching

Cause: Unknown–under Investigation                      

Jurisdiction: USFS

Containment: 50%                                                   

Threatened Structures: 0

Closures: National Forest System Roads (NFSR) #535 – Paradox road, NFSR #402.9A – Spring Creek Trailhead road, National Forest System Trail (NFST) #116 – Spring Creek Trail (from Dented Door to
Paradox), NFST #126 – Paradox Trail and NFST #114.1B – East Fork of Dry Creek Trail.

The Spring Creek Fire saw no growth yesterday, and containment of the fire increased to 50 percent. Favorable weather conditions and heavy precipitation decreased fire behavior while fire crews maintained their
patrolling and monitoring of the fire along containment lines.

Today, firefighters will patrol and extinguish heat along the fire perimeter. They will use a cold trailing technique, which means using the back of their bare hands to feel for heat. When heat is detected, they dig out the spot using their fire tool to cool it off. Water and dirt may also be used to assist.

The following Forest Service road and trail closures are in effect, National Forest System Road (NFSR) #535 – Paradox road, NFSR #402.9A – Spring Creek Trailhead road, National Forest System Trail (NFST) #116 –Spring Creek Trail (from Dented Door to Paradox), NFST #126 – Paradox Trail and NFST #114.1B – East Fork of Dry Creek Trail.

Resources on scene include one Type 2 Helicopter, one water tender, one Type 4 and two Type 6 engines, three fire modules and one 20 person hand crew. Firefighter and public safety are the priorities for this incident. In the interest of public safety, fire officials ask visitors to be aware of fire traffic and avoid the area.

Weather & Fuel Conditions: The forecast remains the same for the next several days. The fire area will continue to see a potential for increased moisture, primarily in the afternoon and later into the evening. Winds will remain low at 10 mph, with nighttime temperatures in the mid-40s. Smoke may be visible in the Montrose, Ridgway and Delta communities. For more information on how wildfire smoke may affect your health, please visit https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.

For additional information:

GMUG National Forests Fire Information hotline: (970) 874-6602

Spring Creek Fire Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/cogmf-spring-creek

West Slope Fire Information website: www.WestSlopeFireInfo.com

GMUG Fire Info Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GMUGFireInfo

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GMUG_NF