Single Publication

Fact Sheet for the Hope Fire - September 27, 2023

The Hope Fire was lightning-caused and detected on September 21st. The fire is being managed under a full suppression strategy by local resources from the Dolores Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest. It is currently burning at Hoppe Point located northwest of the McPhee Dam and Reservoir, east of Bradfield Campground.

The location of the fire is within the boundaries of a prescribed fire burn unit. Fire personnel have been working to prepare lines around the estimated 3,000-acre section. Firefighters are reinforcing and using previously defined and prepared control lines to allow this naturally caused wildfire to reduce forest fuels and improve forest health within those boundaries. This will decrease risk of future catastrophic wildfire, protect infrastructure and private lands, and improve forage for wildlife.     

 Current 

• A Type 3 Incident Management Team will assume command of the Hope Fire today to better manage the complexity of the upcoming operational period. 
• A planned firing operation to aid in suppression efforts is planned for today. The public will likely see increased smoke.   
• The fire continues to creep and smolder within the burn perimeter. 
• Firefighters continue to reinforce containment lines around the planning area to support fire suppression efforts. 

Outlook  

• The weather will be dry and mild through Thursday. 
  • Firefighters will look for opportunities to reinforce control lines through Thursday as weather permits. 
• Increased winds are forecast for the fire area this weekend.