Single Publication

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Public Information Officer, Amy Ricotta, 970-823-4060

Bucktail Fire Update – August 13, 2024, 12:30 p.m.

Nucla, Colorado 

Start Date: August 1, 2024

Cause: Unknown

Size: 7,202 acres 

Percent Contained: 83% 

Resources Assigned: 112 personnel

Crews (2); Engines (4); Water tenders (1); Air Resources (1); Heavy Equipment (6)

Yesterday: Firefighters transitioned from active fire suppression to repair and patrolling activities. Suppression repair work was carried out to address and restore areas impacted by firefighting operations. Crews continued to clean up and improve control lines along the fire perimeter. While the fire area closure remains in effect, the 25 Mesa Road opened to through traffic.

Today: Rainfall supported firefighter activities in bringing the fire to 83% containment. As a result, firefighters are in the process of demobilization and suppression repair operations are underway. Firefighters will improve the completed fire line and conduct rehabilitation activities such as repairing areas disturbed during fire suppression efforts. 

Resources involved in the firefighting and support operations will be demobilized over the course of this week. The demobilization process involves systematically withdrawing equipment and personal that are no longer needed, while ensuring that all necessary tasks are complete and safety measures are in place. Some firefighters will remain in the area to monitor the fire perimeter. This will be the last fire update unless something significant happens. 

Weather: There could be several rounds of storms throughout the day. Each could bring heavy rainfall and strong winds. Today’s temperatures will range from 76-81 degrees Fahrenheit while relative humidity will be 42-47%.

Evacuations: None.

Closures:  While the area closure remains in effect, Highway 90 and the 25 Mesa Road is open to through traffic. Road and area closures within the proximity of the fire area remain closed. This includes Houser Road and Cottonwood Trail. For a complete list of closed roads and a map of the closure area, please visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/coupd-bucktail-fire. 

Authorities will continue to evaluate road conditions in the affected area to determine the best approach for reopening other roads in the future.

The BLM temporary Emergency Closure Order and map are posted to the BLM Southwest District Fire page under Current Fire Restrictions & Notices / Uncompahgre Field Office at: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-information/colorado/southwest-district. 

The Forest Service temporary Emergency Closure Order and map are posted on the Forest Service Website at: fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1198456.pdf. For information about Bucktail fire Forest Service road closures, please contact the Norwood Ranger District at (970) 327-4261.

Smoke Information: Visit CDPHE - Colorado.gov/AirQuality to learn about protecting yourself from wildfire smoke. For more information on current air quality go to Fire and Smoke Map (airnow.gov) and zoom in on Southwest Colorado. 

Fire Prevention: Fire managers would like to remind everyone to be attentive to their actions and surroundings, especially in areas with dry vegetation or dead/down trees. Preventing new fires is the most important thing anyone can do to help firefighters. Practice smart wildfire prevention behavior including never leaving a campfire unattended, and ensuring fires are completely out and cold. Make sure trailer chains don’t drag and dispose of smoking materials properly.  Every spark can start a fire!  

For additional information:

Montrose County Sheriff’s Office: https://montrosecountysheriffsoffice.com/bucktail-fire

Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control: https://dfpc.colorado.gov

Bureau of Land Management Southwest Colorado District, Uncompahgre Field Office: https://www.facebook.com/BLMMontroseFireUnit

West Slope Fire Information website: www.WestSlopeFireInfo.com

GMUG Fire Information https://www.facebook.com/GMUGFireInfo

Road Closures Montrose County: https://www.facebook.com/MontroseCountySO

Colorado Department of Transportation: www.cotrip.org  

Bucktail Fire Information Hotline: (970) 823-4060

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests Hotline (970) 874-6602