Single Publication

Type 3 Team, Incident Commander Scott Bovey, 156 Personnel

Trail Springs Fire | Size: 1250 Acres | Containment: 37% | Cause: Lightning

Thanks to the hard work of firefighters and support personnel, along with a fortunate break in the dry weather, the entire eastern edge, as well as the large spot fire to the northeast of the main perimeter, are now contained. Precipitation was sparse over the fire area yesterday. As the clouds lifted midday, smoke became visible again over the West Devil Creek drainage. Logs, stumps, and other large fuels continue to smolder and fire is still creeping through the duff layer within the fire perimeter. Fire managers say the smoke will remain for some time, especially as we move into a high pressure system that brings back drier weather. The western portion of the fire remains inaccessible to ground resources, so the strategy for suppression continues to be confine and contain using indirect tactics.

Yesterday, firefighters were able to accomplish a great deal of clean up and suppression repair work. They removed brush that had been cut and piled during fireline construction by chipping and burning slash piles. Crews also continued clearing “ladder fuels” - any vegetation that allows flames to climb into the canopy, such as brush and the lower limbs of trees - along East Monument Road. This will make the road more effective as a fireline if fire behavior changes on the Trail Springs Fire, or if another fire occurs in this area in the future. They will continue this work today.

Fire Danger remains Moderate despite recent winter weather, so it is important that Forest users completely drown campfires to prevent unintended escape. Use the “drown, stir, feel” method to be sure it's dead out.

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

No growth or increased fire behavior has been observed on the Mill Creek 2 Fire. A small number of firefighters are positioned nearby and ready to respond, if needed. An aerial infrared survey is scheduled for Monday night to see if any areas of heat remain.

Weather: Drier and much colder weather is forecast for the next couple of days, followed by a warming trend mid-week. Winds are expected to remain light. However, relative humidity levels will decrease significantly as the week progresses.

San Juan NF Temporary Closures: An area closure is in place involving roads and trails in or near the Trail Springs Fire area (Middle Mountain area), including Forest Road 630, East Monument Road, at its intersection with Turkey Springs Road. Details of the closure are on the Trail Springs Fire InciWeb page (link and QR code below) and on the “Alerts and Notices” page of the forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sanjuan/alerts-notices 

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