Single Publication

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Public Information Officers, Vicki Shaffer and Amy Ricotta, 970-823-4060

Bucktail Fire Update – August 8, 2024, 1:00 p.m. 

Nucla, Colorado 

Start Date: August 1, 2024

Cause: Unknown

Size: 4,206 acres 

Percent Contained: 10%

Resources Assigned: 193 personnel

Crews (8); Engines (7); Water tenders (2); Air Resources (4); Heavy Equipment (6)

Yesterday: Crews continued to prep and secure the hand and dozer lines on the south end of the Bucktail Fire using existing roads and trails. Helicopters contained spot fires when embers landed on the unburned side of the fireline. New total fire growth was minimal. 

Today: With the secured line in place, fire crews will conduct hand and aerial ignitions today on the northwestern side of the fire. Firefighters use this method of igniting fires and burnout operations to control the speed, intensity, and overall fire behavior. Expect to see increased smoke due to these fire operations. Helicopters, including a Type 1, will continue water drops on hot spots. Road barricades are in place for firefighter and public safety.

Weather: Above normal heat continues with a decrease in moisture.  Scattered showers and thunderstorms, accompanied by gusty, erratic winds, are still possible this afternoon.  Temperatures will range between 87-92F while relative humidity will be slightly lower at 15-20%.

Evacuations: None.

Closures:  Road and area closures are in place within the proximity of the fire for public and firefighter safety. This includes 25 Mesa Road to the northwest, as well as Houser Road, Cottonwood Trail, and Hwy 90 to the south. The closure area also includes all roads and trails within this boundary. 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. 

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. 

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If You Fly, We Can’t: https://knowbeforeyoufly.org/home

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!