Single Publication

Update: October 31, 2023

Type 3 Team, Incident Commander Scott Bovey, 156 Personnel

Trail Springs Fire | Size: 1251 Acres | Containment: 37% | Cause: Lightning

Fire personnel conducted a reconnaissance flight yesterday afternoon to determine how much impact the wet weather over the weekend had on the fires. They observed that the Trail Springs Fire continues to produce smoke from creeping and smoldering fire behavior within its existing footprint. The infrared flight that took place last night showed minimal heat in the bottom of the West Fork of Devil Creek drainage along the creek itself and detected only one acre of growth since the last IR flight. However, areas of scattered heat remain within the fire perimeter and are anticipated to persist until a season-ending weather event occurs. The continuation of active burning after two days of snow, rain, and cold temperatures is telling of how dry the fuels got during the droughty summer months.

Firefighters finished chipping the brush that had been piled along the containment line. Today, they will continue cutting ladder fuels and chipping along East Monument Road north towards Corral Mountain Road to complete the indirect fireline. Depending on soil moisture, crews may begin repairing hand line, as well. Two engines and one fire module working on this fire have also been made available to assist local agencies if there are any new fires that start.

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: 122 Acres | Containment: 0% | Cause: Under Investigation

Some smoke was observed from the Mill Creek 2 Fire on yesterday’s recon flight, primarily on the northern portion of the fire area. Last night’s infrared flight confirmed heat within the fire perimeter and one acre of growth. No structures or other values are threatened. A fire engine is positioned nearby and ready to respond, if required.

Weather: Today’s weather will be similar to yesterday. Temps will start in the teens in the morning and reach the mid 40’s by afternoon. Wind is expected to remain light but the relative humidity will drop back down to around 25%.

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

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