Single Publication

Quartz Ridge and Bear Creek Fires

September 26, 2023                    

Type 3 Team, Incident Commander: Scotty Nilson

Daily Update – 9:00 AM

Updates will be produced every other day unless significant activity occurs

Highlights: Night time infrared operations flight flew on 9/25 and found pockets of scattered and isolated heat signatures on both fires within the current fire perimeter. As the sunshine warms up the surface area there may be an increase of fire activity and smoke production.

Prescribed Fire:  As conditions permit, prescribed fire activity will be taking place at specific locations around the San Juan National Forest. For the most up to date and detailed information visit, https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-maps-gallery/cosjf-san-juan-national-forest-prescribed-fire-program  Prescribed burning activity may take place In the Pagosa District in the Echo Canyon Unit. Additionally, there are plans for prescribed fire, in the area of Vallecito-Piedra, north of Hwy 160 in the Columbine Ranger District.   There may be an increase of smoke production.

Quartz Ridge Fire:  2,850 acres | 25 personnel assigned

Fire crews will continue to the observe near the perimeter and look for signs of fire activity and take actions when safety where needed.  As this weather matrix continues to warm and dry, may expect to see increased fire activity and smoke production. Crews will continue to observe the fire behavior and engage where safe to do so.

Bear Creek Fire:  1,093 acres | 13 personnel assigned

Smoke may be visible in the Weminuche Valley, west of Weminuche and south of Falls Creek.  Firefighters will continue assessing any damage to trails within the fire perimeter.  There are firefighters in the area near the structures verifying water management operations as well as keeping an eye on the fire. 

Weather:  There is an upper ridge of high pressure that remains over the fires.  The relative humidity should bottom out in the 18 to 26% range on Tuesday. Winds will be mainly terrain driven, at 5 to 10 mph or less, while winds on the ridges will average west-southwest around 10 mph with gusts up to 15 mph. 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).

Fire Information Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Phone: 970-426-5370