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Trail Springs and Mill Creek 2 Fire Update: October 23, 2023
Trail Springs Fire, Mill Creek 2 Fire
Publication Type: News 10/24/2023
Update: October 23, 2023
Type 3 Team, Incident Commander Pat Seekins
Overview:
The two new wildfires burning in the Pagosa Springs area both grew significantly over the weekend. Aerial mapping shows the Trail Springs Fire is now 521 acres, and the Mill Creek 2 fire has grown to 110 acres. Both fires were discovered on October 19th. Investigators have determined the Trail Springs Fire was caused by lightning; the Mill Creek 2 Fire is still under investigation.
Trail Springs Fire | Size:500 Acres | Containment: 0% | Cause: Lightning
The Trail Springs Fire is burning on thickly-forested, sloped terrain above West Devil Creek, about 3 miles northwest of Chris Mountain. Unseasonably warm temperatures, and low humidity have contributed to increased fire behavior. especially in mid-to-late afternoon.
As of this morning the fire remains west of Forest Road 630, and it 2 miles south of the Piedra Valley Ranch. More firefighting resources are arriving daily. Fire managers are working to implement firefighting tactics that protect values at risk and develop fire control lines in locations with the best probability of success.
Mill Creek Fire |Size: 110 Acres | Containment: 0% | Cause: Undetermined
The Mill Creek 2 Fire increased significantly in size on Saturday, as it burned intensely through a heavy load of mixed conifer and dead and down logs. The fire has lost much of its intensity since then, as it has run into rocky terrain and lost its access to fuels.
The fire is located 10 miles northeast of Pagosa Springs in high, remote terrain, leading towards the South San Juan Wilderness. 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:
High temperatures Monday in the low 60s, with higher humidity. Gusty winds in the afternoon. Tuesday will be cooler, with a slight chance of rain.
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.
