Single Publication

BEAR CREEK FIRE

September 16, 2023

Type 3 Team, Incident Commander: Nathan Hallam

Daily Update – 9:00 AM

This update will continue to occur every other day unless significant activity occurs.
Highlights: Yesterday, both the Bear Creek and Quartz Ridge Fire received scattered thunderstorms producing light
rain and wind gusts up to 15+ mph throughout the day. Relative humidity levels stayed above 75%. Both fires saw
little fire activity. Light smoke was observed on both the Bear Creek and Quartz Ridge Fire. With the return of clear
skies and dry weather fire activity is expected to increase slightly allowing for additional smoke production.

Bear Creek Fire: 1090 acres | 83% of objectives achieved | 22 personnel assigned

Weather conditions have slowed fire activity, allowing firefighting crews to place focus on mitigating hazards to the
values at risk within the Weminuche Valley. Road conditions have deteriorated due to the rain make access to the
fire difficult. Slowing fire activity and minimal smoke was observed by crews working in the area. Rainfall totals
measured a total of 0.27’’ over the past 24 hours.

Weather: Today’s weather outlook calls for early morning cloud dispersion, giving way to a day filled with clear,
sunny skies with temperatures reaching into the low to mid 60’s. Cooler temperatures and clear skies with winds
gusts of 5-10mph can be expected through Sunday.

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. Roads and trails within the Quartz Fire area are Quartz Meadows
Rd (NFSR#684), Quartz Ridge Trail (NFST#570), Quartz Creek Trail (NFST#571). The trails within the Bear Creek Fire
area are Little Sand Trail (NFST #591) and Shaw Creek Trail (NFST#584).