Single Publication

Fact Sheet for the Hope Fire - September 29, 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 pre-existing 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 
    Firefighters made good progress on Thursday with burnout operations to improve lines around the fire.
    Today, firefighters will continue firing operations to improve yesterday’s work ahead of windy conditions this weekend. The public will continue to see increased smoke.   
    Fire behavior is expected to remain active due to burnout operations. 
    Firefighters continue to reinforce containment lines around the planning area to support fire suppression efforts. 

Outlook  
    Winds and the chance of scattered showers are expected to increase over the weekend.  
    Firefighters will look for opportunities to reinforce control lines through the weekend.