Single Publication

BEAR CREEK FIRE
September 9, 2023 Type 3 Team, Incident Commander: Nate Hallam
Daily Update – 9:00 AM

Highlights: Yesterday both fires had moderate to low fire growth and smoke activity. Although very dry, yesterday’s winds were not as strong, which made large fire growth unfavorable. High pressures will begin to gradually break down today, bringing a cooler trend and possible erratic winds into today’s operational period (9/9).

Bear Creek Fire: 883 acres, increase of 40 acreages | 83% of objectives achieved | 61 personnel assigned

The Bear Creek Fire saw an increase in size of 40 acres. Yesterday, personnel bolstered placement of fire hose, pumps, and portable water tanks for structure protection operations in the Weminuche Valley. Responders will continue to assess, protect, and mitigate hazards to values at risk within the valley. Additionally, opportunities for utilizing natural control features, such as the Weminuche Creek will be evaluated. Control features to the south of the fire have been improved with heavy equipment.

Weather: Last night there were light winds with a maximum humidity around 30%. Later afternoon today and tomorrow, we will begin to see cooler/wetter trends with slight chances of showers, though the incidence of virga is very possible. Chances of rain will increase through the weekend and the beginning of next week. As storms will continue to be scattered by nature both fires may not see wetting rain. The precipitation will not be distributed equally across the San Juan National Forest.

San Juan National Forest Temporary Closures: Closure orders are in effect and additional information can be found here: Quartz Ridge Closure and Bear Creek Closure.  The trails within the Bear Creek Fire area are Little Sand Trail (NFST #591) and Shaw Creek Trail (NFST#584).
Fire Information
Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Phone: 970-426-5370

Bear Creek Fire
Email: 2023.BearCreek@firenet.gov