Single Publication

Update: October 2, 2023                    

Type 3 Team, Incident Commander: Scotty Nilson

Updates will be produced every other day unless significant activity occurs

Highlights: 

Multiple days of rainfall have reduced fire behavior to a minimum on both the Quartz Ridge and Bear Creek Fires. Firefighters have removed some of the structure protection equipment in place near the Bear Creek fire that is no longer needed.  

On Tuesday, October 3, command of both fires will be turned over to a smaller type 4 organization.  

Quartz Ridge Fire:  2,850 acres | 22 personnel assigned

The fire received rainfall on Saturday and Sunday.  Firefighters have continued to patrol and use spotters to keep an eye out for fire activity. Infrared on September 29 showed very little heat along the edges or within the perimeter.  

The fire is located in steep, remote terrain in the San Juan Wilderness, 13 miles northeast of Pagosa Springs.

Bear Creek Fire:  1,094 acres | 24 personnel assigned

A few isolated areas of heat continue to produce smoke, mainly when there is direct sunlight hitting them.  Rain showers over the weekend have dampened fire activity and smoke output.  On Sunday, firefighters removed structure protection equipment from homes and ranch properties in the southern Weminuche Valley.  The fire is no longer considered a threat to those southern valley properties.  Firefighters will keep structure protection equipment in place in the northern part of the Weminuche Valley until fire managers conclude it is no longer needed.

Weather:  

More rain and cooler temperatures for the early part of the week.  Measurable rainfall is predicted for Monday, with winds gusting to 35 mph. Tuesday will be slightly less windy with a smaller chance of rain and high temps in the 50s. 

 San Juan NF Temporary Closures: The closure order for the Quartz Ridge Fire has been amended. Quartz Meadows Rd (NFSR#684) and the Quartz Ridge Trail (NFST#570) have re-opened. Quartz Creek Trail (NFST#571) remains closed.  In the Bear Creek Fire area, Little Sand Trail (NFST #591) and Shaw Creek Trail (NFST#584) are closed. For more info: Quartz Ridge Closure and Bear Creek Closure.

Prescribed Fire:  There has been increased smoke production this week caused by prescribed burning in locations on 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