Single Publication

Type 3 Team, Incident Commander Scott Bovey, 163 Personnel 

Overview: Light rain, sleet and, at some elevations, snow will continue across the area Sunday, minimizing the chances for any immediate fire growth on either fire. As conditions allow, crews will chip slash that was created earlier in the week and put out any remaining hotspots close to the fire lines. 

Trail Springs Fire | Size: 1250 Acres | Containment: 0% | Cause: Lightning  

Firefighters reported rain, snow and up to a quarter inch of graupel over the Trail Springs Fire area Saturday, with some lightning in the afternoon. Because of those conditions, fire personnel had disengaged by mid-afternoon but will be back on the fire today. The fire lines along the north, northeastern, and eastern sides have been secured but crews will patrol and look for remaining hot spots. Even though more moisture is forecast today and into tonight, it is not expected to be enough to completely extinguish this fire. Fire managers expect to soon begin releasing resources that are no longer needed. “We appreciate everyone who has left their homes, many from out of state, to be here and help,” says Incident Commander Scott Bovey. “We will be keeping enough personnel to respond appropriately if fire activity picks up after this shot of moisture,” he adds. Fire personnel will also be available to assist the Pagosa Ranger District with any new fire starts and, if needed, help Archuleta County with search and rescue missions. 

Hunters: an area closure is in effect around the Trail Springs Fire. Forest Road 630, the East Monument Road, remains closed at its intersection with the Turkey Springs Road. The complete closure area and map can be found on the fire’s Inciweb page (link and QR code below) and on the forest’s “alerts and notices” page. 

Mill Creek 2 Fire |Size: 121 Acres | Containment: 0% | Cause: Under Investigation 

Snow fell over the fire area Saturday, minimizing if not eliminating, any further threat from this fire. A small number of firefighters will be positioned nearby and are ready to respond appropriately, if needed. An aerial infrared survey is planned Monday night to see if any areas of heat remain. 

Weather:  Precipitation on and off through the day and into tonight but clearing by early Monday morning. Very cold overnight temperatures beginning tonight. 

San Juan NF Temporary Closures: An area closure is in place covering some roads and trails in or near the Trail Springs Fire area (Middle Mountain area). Details of the closure are on the Trail Springs Fire InciWeb page (link below) and the “Alerts and Notices” page of the forest website:  

A Temporary Flight Restriction is in effect: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_3_8962.html#areas 

Fire Information: 970-426-5370 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sanjuannationalforest