Single Publication

QUARTZ RIDGE FIRE

September 16, 2023 Type 3 Team, Incident Commander: Nathan Hallam
Daily Update – 9:00 AM

This update will continue to occur every other day unless significant activity occurs.

Highlights: Yesterday, both the Bear Creek and Quartz Ridge Fire received scattered thunderstorms producing light
rain and wind gusts up to 15+ mph throughout the day. Relative humidity levels stayed above 75%. Both fires saw
little fire activity. Light smoke was observed on both the Bear Creek and Quartz Ridge Fire. With the return of clear
skies and dry weather fire activity is expected to increase slightly allowing for additional smoke production.

Quartz Ridge Fire: 2,848 acres | 77% of objectives achieved | 59 personnel assigned

The increase in acreage was the result of the last active day (9/10), prior to the rain event. Firefighting crews
continue to focus on improving the shaded fuel break lines on the East Fork Road. Continual improvement of the
firebreak lines will be priority for Quartz Ridge fire crews with anticipation of the project continuing along the 684
road into the next two operational shifts. Rainfall totals for the last 24 hours measured 0.16’’.

Weather: Today’s weather outlook calls for early morning cloud dispersion, giving way to a day filled with clear,
sunny skies with temperatures reaching into the low to mid 60’s. Cooler temperatures and clear skies with winds
gusts of 5-10mph can be expected through Sunday.

San Juan National Forest Temporary Closures: Closure orders are in effect and additional information can be found
here: Quartz Ridge Closure and Bear Creek Closure. Roads and trails within the Quartz Fire area are Quartz Meadows
Rd (NFSR#684), Quartz Ridge Trail (NFST#570), Quartz Creek Trail (NFST#571). The trails within the Bear Creek Fire
area are Little Sand Trail (NFST #591) and Shaw Creek Trail (NFST#584).