Single Publication

Trail Springs and Mill Creek 2 Fires

Update: October 24, 2023

Type 3 Team, Incident Commander Pat Seekins

95 Personnel

Overview:

The Trail Springs Fire continued to grow to the east and north yesterday, while additional firefighting crews have arrived to help implement an indirect control strategy designed to contain the fire. Fire activity has decreased significantly on the Mill Creek 2 Fire.  There is chance rain over the fire areas on Tuesday.

Trail Springs Fire | Size:720 Acres | Containment: 0% | Cause: Lightning 

The fire grew steadily yesterday across terrain flanking to the east and north from West Devil Creek. It is now 720 acres. Crews yesterday constructed indirect fireline yesterday as part of a strategy designed to control fire in places that show the highest probability of success, while minimizing risks to firefighters.  A Chinook helicopter delivered water drops to help keep the fire’s western edge from crossing West Devil Creek.

Today firefighters will continue to develop fireline, while looking for opportunities to engage the fire. There is a chance of rainfall, which would reduce fire activity. 

Mill Creek 2 Fire |Size: 117 Acres | Containment: 0% | Cause: Undetermined

The Mill Creek 2 Fire has lost much of its intensity over the last two days. The fire is located in steep, rugged terrain about 10 miles northeast of Pagosa Springs. It had been producing significant smoke as it burned through a large section of heavy dead and down trees, but the fire has run into rocky areas without significant fuels. 

Because of the extremely difficult access and firefighter risk, firefighters are not being sent in to engage the fire. No homes, ranches or private holdings are at risk. Firefighters continue to closely watch fire behavior and assess potential control options should the fire move to lower ground.

Weather:

There is a chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms over the fire areas today. Temperatures will be around 60 degrees. Light winds out of the west early, shifting to sw winds with potential erratic gusts near any thunderstorms.

San Juan NF Temporary Closures: On the Trail Springs Fire, FS 630 (East Monument) is closed to the public due to increased fire activity and the need to allow access for firefighting apparatus. A full description of road and trail closures can be found under the closures tab of this website.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs): A TFR is in effect over the Trail Springs Fire area. Details here: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_3_8962.html#areas