Single Publication

This is the Saint Charles Fire final update. The designated public information phone line is no longer in service. For all inquiries, please contact the San Carlos Ranger District of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands at 719-269-8500. You can also visit the Saint Charles Fire InciWeb page.

The Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, especially, the San Carlos Ranger District, appreciates the communities’ support and cooperation during this wildfire incident.

Current Situation:
The Saint Charles Fire is 492 acres and 99% contained. Containment refers solely to the perimeter itself and its potential for growth. The total acres reflect the size of the perimeter. It does not mean the fire affected all the land within the perimeter as fire will burn in some places at different levels of severity of either very hot, moderate, or light, while other places remain untouched.

Heavy equipment crews continued suppression repair activities along dozer lines, rehabilitating areas affected by fire suppression operations. Crews were able to scout along Division K to plan repair efforts. As snow continues to melt, firefighters and equipment crews will continue chipping and repair operations.

Though the fire is mostly contained, interior fuels may continue to burn, so smoke may be visible at times. Crews will continue to monitor visible smokes from lookout points. Be aware, it's also possible to see smoke next spring after the snow has melted.

Weather and Fire Behavior:
The sun has almost completely melted snowpack on the south-facing slopes in the fire area. Warm weather will continue throughout the week. Forecasted temperatures for Friday will run about five degrees above normal for this time of year. By Sunday, there may be increased cloudiness and slightly higher winds. Precipitation is unlikely.

Closures and Fire Restrictions:
An Area Closure is in place for the fire area on the San Carlos Ranger District of the PSICC. For additional information, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/psicc/alerts-notices. 

There are currently no fire restrictions in place in Pueblo and Custer Counties.

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

Fire Statistics:
Size:  492 acres 
Containment: 99%
Total Personnel: 99
Location: 7 Miles SW of Beulah, CO
Reported: October 14, 2023
Cause: lightning

For More Information:   
San Carlos Ranger District: 719-269-8500
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/copsf-saint-charles-fire