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Plumtaw Fire Update for Wednesday June 1st

Related Incident: Plumtaw Fire

Publication Type: News Wed, 06/01/2022 - 12:00

Type 3 Incident Management TeamEd LeBlanc, Incident Commander

Current Situation: Yesterday, the Plumtaw Fire showed little heat throughout the fireline perimeter. An engine found an interior hot spot late in the day and was able to add water to extinguish the heat. Interior hotspots have little chance of escaping the established fire perimeter because the fuel between the hotspot and fire edge has already burned. On other parts of the fireline crews continued patrolling and backhauling unneeded supplies and equipment. Firefighters grid the fire, meaning they systematically examine the entire fire area for heat. If heat is identified, firefighters add water to put out the fire. Also, the Unaweep Wildland Fire Module continued collecting fire and fuels data through Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) technology. Today’s activities remain largely unchanged from the past several days with firefighters continuing patrols in the fire area. The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team will begin assessing the fire area and create a report on burn severity. The report will be used to create a rehabilitation plan to protect the natural resources in the area. The Plumtaw Fire will transition back to the local unit tomorrow, June 2nd.

Weather and Fuel Conditions: Weather should be similar to yesterday. Temperatures will be in the mid-60s with humidity ranging from 17-22%, and winds out of the southwest at 10-20 mph. Fuels remain critically dry although no spread beyond the current 721-acre fire boundary is anticipated.

Closures and Advisories: The forest closures around the Plumtaw Fire have been lifted. Please use caution as hazard trees and firefighting equipment are still around the fire area. A temporary flight restriction (TFRs) is in effect over the Plumtaw Fire. TFR violations can disrupt aerial firefighting operations and may fore fire managers to ground essential aircraft. Wildfire are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t. http://knowbeforeyoufly.org Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in place for the San Juan National Forest. There is also a closure area for the Plumtaw fire. See: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sanjuan/alerts-notices

Plumtaw Fire Statistics: Size: 721 acres Containment: 77% Total Personnel: 96 Location: Pagosa Springs, CO Reported: May 17, 2022 Cause: Under investigation

For More Information: Public Information 970-422-2671 Public email: 2022.plumtaw@firenet.gov InciWeb: Plumtaw Fire Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov) Facebook: Plumtaw Fire - Home | Facebook

Plumtaw Fire Update Tuesday May 31st

Related Incident: Plumtaw Fire

Publication Type: News Tue, 05/31/2022 - 12:00

Current Situation: Monday’s Red Flag Warning proved to be another test of existing containment lines, which held as expected, allowing fire managers to remain confident in the security of the firelines. Despite the weather conditions, firefighters were able to complete the first phase of suppression repair which was to rehabilitate the secondary firelines created by a dozer. Firelines, especially dozer lines, create berms of soil and vegetation on the sides of where the dozer cleared. Suppression repair work pulls the berms back into place, spreading them within the line, and then filling the lines with the slash (or cut brush and limbs). This helps prevent the fire lines from becoming new paths for water to flow and accumulate and helps protect new grass and shrub growth that may follow with rains. On other parts of the fireline, crews continued patrol and mop-up operations, and backhauled unneeded supplies and equipment. Unaweep Wildland Fire Module also began collecting fire and fuels data through Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) technology.

Today’s activities remain largely unchanged from the past several days with firefighters continuing patrols and mopping-up any heat sources near the fire line. Data acquired with UAS technology will aid firefighters in locating heat sources. It will also help inform decisions of the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team who begin arriving today. A BAER Team consists of scientists and engineers who assess the severity of fire damage and create a report for the most at-risk areas. BAER actions such as: mulching, seeding, installation of erosion and water run-off control structures, temporary barriers to protect recovering areas, and installation of warning signs may be implemented.   

Weather and Fuel Conditions: Weather will moderate after yesterday’s Red Flag Warning with conditions mimicking a more natural pattern. Temperatures will be in the mid-60s with humidity ranging from 17-22%, and winds out of the southwest at 15-20 mph. Fuels remain critically dry although no spread beyond the current 721-acre fire boundary is anticipated.

Closures and Advisories Areas around the fires are closed for public safety. Please respect the closure signs. A temporary flight restriction (TFRs) is in effect over the Plumtaw Fire. TFR violations can disrupt aerial firefighting operations and may fore fire managers to ground essential aircraft. Wildfire are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t. http://knowbeforeyoufly.org Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in place for the San Juan National Forest. There is also a closure area for the Plumtaw fire. See: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sanjuan/alerts-notices

Plumtaw Fire Statistics: Size: 721 acres Containment: 77% Total Personnel: 99 Location: Pagosa Springs, CO Reported: May 17, 2022 Cause: Under investigation

For More Information: Public Information 970-422-2671 Public email: 2022.plumtaw@firenet.gov InciWeb: Plumtaw Fire Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov) Facebook: Plumtaw Fire - Home | Facebook

Plumtaw Fire Update Monday May 30th

Related Incident: Plumtaw Fire

Publication Type: News Mon, 05/30/2022 - 12:00

Plumtaw Fire Update

Monday, May 30, 2022, 8:00 a.m.

Type 3 Incident Management Team Ed LeBlanc, Incident Commander

Memorial Day Tribute, Honoring Those Who Sacrificed

We honor and respectfully remember the fallen members of our armed forces. We are indebted to the family members of those who support this need of the highest calling and are unified in our gratitude and thank you.

Special Notes: A temporary flight restrictions (TFR) is back into effect immediately over the Plumtaw Fire. This restriction is necessitated as Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) will be used for intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance today and over the next several days. UAS are tools allowing fire managers to get a full view of the fire situation on the ground and through multiple lenses.

Current Situation:

Yesterday firefighters continued patrol and mop-up operations maintaining the fire at its existing footprint. The bulk of firefighting resources were in the northeast corner, of the uncontained section of fireline, where they continued to secure the fire edge by extinguishing hotspots. Some firefighting resources, including the Type 3 helicopter, were released as fire managers remain confident in the work that has been accomplished. In preparation for continued fire management, the Unaweep Wildland Fire Module arrived at the fire yesterday. The module is a seven-person crew highly skilled in collecting and analyzing fire and fuels data for tactical operations. The crew will use an UAS for some of the data gathering. Today, a Red Flag Warning will present increased safety concerns for firefighters due to the higher potential for falling snags from the windy conditions. As a result, firefighters will be extra vigilant as they continue to implement work of the last several days: securing fireline, patrol and mop-up, and suppression repair. Safety of firefighters and the public remains the top priority guiding decisions and actions for both fire managers and firefighters. Weather and Fuel Conditions: A Red Flag Warning will be in effect today from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. These warnings are triggered when humidity is less than 15% combined with winds over 20 mph sustained over a period of three or more hours. Overnight possible thunderstorms will clear out this morning with high temperatures in the mid to high 50s, humidity in the mid-teens, and winds out of the southwest with gusts up to 30 mph in the afternoon. Closures and Advisories Areas around the fires are closed for public safety. Please respect the closure signs. A temporary flight restriction (TFRs) is in effect over the Plumtaw Fire. TFR violations can disrupt aerial firefighting operations and may fore fire managers to ground essential aircraft. Wildfire are a no-fly zone for unquthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t. http://knowbeforeyoufly.org Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in place for the San Juan National Forest. There is also a closure area for the Plumtaw fire. See: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sanjuan/alerts-notices

Plumtaw Fire Statistics: Size: 721 acres Containment: 77% Total Personnel: 125 Location: Pagosa Springs, CO Reported: May 17, 2022 Cause: Under investigation

For More Information: Public Information 970-316-2594 Public email: 2022.plumtaw@firenet.gov InciWeb: Plumtaw Fire Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System (nwcg.gov) Facebook: Plumtaw Fire - Home | Facebook

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Plumtaw Fire Update Sunday May 29th

Related Incident: Plumtaw Fire

Publication Type: News Sun, 05/29/2022 - 12:00

Plumtaw Fire Update

Sunday, May 29, 2022, 8:00 a.m.

Type 3 Incident Management Team Ed LeBlanc, Incident Commander

Current Situation: Crews sustained progress in all divisions despite the Red Flag Warning for most of yesterday. On the uncontained sections of fireline, in the northeast corner, crews and engines worked to identify and extinguish remaining heat and check spot fires. On contained sections of line, firefighters continued patrol and mop-up operations, equipment backhauling, and suppression repair.

Today, firefighting work will be similar to yesterday’s by continuing with “search and destroy” heat missions on uncontained fire lines and conducting patrols with mop-up and suppression repair on contained fire lines. Firefighters will continue to be supported with a Type 3 helicopter should bucket drops or aerial reconnaissance be needed. Warm temperatures, low humidity, and windy conditions may contribute to visible smoke from increased interior fire activity as unburned fuels burn.

Throughout today, and over the new few days, some firefighting resources will be released allowing them to either be reassigned to other wildfires or take time off for rest and recuperation in preparation for their next assignment. Throughout the fire season, firefighters and support personnel typically work up to 14 days continuously are returned home for several days off and then begin a new 14-day wildfire assignment.

Weather and Fuel Conditions: Windy conditions will persist at 20-25mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Temperatures will remain above normal in the 70s with low humidity around 12%. In the afternoon, a cold front is expected to arrive bringing possible scattered rain showers and thunderstorms. Despite critical burning conditions, and increased likelihood of fuels burning in the fires’ interior, the potential for spread outside containment lines remains low.

Closures and Advisories Areas around the fires are closed for public safety. Please respect the closure signs.

Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in place for the San Juan National Forest. There is also a closure area for the Plumtaw fire. See: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sanjuan/alerts-notices

Plumtaw Fire Statistics: Size: 721 acres Containment: 77% Total Personnel: 225 Location: Pagosa Springs, CO Reported: May 17, 2022 Cause: Under investigation

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Plumtaw Fire Update Saturday May28th

Related Incident: Plumtaw Fire

Publication Type: News Sat, 05/28/2022 - 12:00

Plumtaw Fire Update

Saturday, May 28, 2022, 8:00 a.m.

Type 3 Incident Management Team Ed LeBlanc, Incident Commander Special Note: Today at 6:00 a.m. Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the Plumtaw Fire. Incident Commander, Ed LeBlanc commended the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team 2 for their quality work and smooth transition. Divisions A and Z were combined becoming Division A/Z and Divisions D and X were combined becoming Division D/X. This is a common practice as the fire size remains stable, containment increases, and fire fighting resource are released.

Current Situation: As expected, fire activity remained consistent with the past few days and no fire growth occurred. Uncontained fireline in the northeast corner remains the highest priority and crews continued to secure firelines by extinguishing heat sources and removing fuels. On contained firelines, firefighters conducted patrol and mop-up operations, backhauled unneeded supplies and equipment, and conducted suppression repair operations.

Today, as weather conditions allow, the bulk of resources will be working again in the northeast corner continuing with suppression operations. Fire crews will contend with windy conditions and gusts up to 50mph which will present additional hazards and may limit support from air operations. On contained sections, firefighters will continue to repair primary and secondary firelines by removing debris and branches that were cut during fireline construction and will also conduct other suppression repairs to prevent topsoil loss during future rainstorms. Patrol and mop-up and planning for suppression repair will continue on sections of lines that aren’t ready for suppression repair. Looking ahead, fire manager are optimistic that firefighters will connect and strengthen firelines leading to increased containment.

Weather and Fuel Conditions: Today, there is a Fire Weather Watch in effect from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Weather conditions are expected to be warm, dry and windy with temperatures above normal in the mid to high 70s, humidity around 12%, and winds at 20-25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Critical burning conditions will exist especially in interior pockets of unburned fuels although fire is not expected to spread outside of existing containment lines.

Closures and Advisories

Areas around the fires are closed for public safety. Please respect the closure signs. Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) remain in place on all three fire areas. TFR violations can disrupt aerial firefighting operations and may force fire managers to ground essential aircraft. Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t. http://knowbeforeyoufly.org Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in place for the San Juan National Forest. There is also a closure area for the Plumtaw fire. See: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sanjuan/alerts-notices

Plumtaw Fire Statistics: Size: 721 acres Containment: 77% Total Personnel: 226 Location: Pagosa Springs, CO Reported: May 17, 2022 Cause: Under investigation

-USDA-

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Plumtaw Fire Update Friday May 27th

Related Incident: Plumtaw Fire

Publication Type: News Fri, 05/27/2022 - 12:00

Plumtaw Fire Objectives:

To utilize risk management to reduce risks to the public and to firefighters.
To protect the Lost Valley of the San Juans subdivision and critical infrastructure, including the Fourmile Creek watershed, water intake, private lands, and additional infrastructure.

The Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team 2 will transfer command of the Plumtaw Fire to an interagency type 3 team on Saturday, May 28 at 6 am. In preparation for the Memorial Day weekend, recreationists are reminded of the trail and road closures near the fire area. For closure information, please see the link in the sidebar to the left.

Yesterday’s accomplishments:

Containment increased again and is now at 77%, up 5% over yesterday. The entirety of the fire’s south side is now contained.
The hotter, drier, windier weather increased fire behavior and exposed hot spots that had not previously surfaced. Crews continued mop up operations focusing on these areas and the uncontained sections of the fire.

Today’s plan:

Data mapping from an additional thermal infrared detection and mapping data (NIROPS) flight conducted last night will be used by crews to identify and address any remaining or increased areas of heat.
Rehabilitation of hand and dozer lines will continue again today as well as removal of hose lays that no longer needed
Crews will focus on mop up operations on the northeast side of the fire where uncontained areas remain

Weather:

Skies will be mostly sunny with scattered cloud cover in the afternoon. Wind gusts up to 35mph are expected and may increase into the weekend. A red flag warning is in place for Friday and Saturday.

Fire start date: May 17, 2022

Fire size today: 721 acres

Containment: 77%

Location: 7 miles north of Pagosa Springs, CO

Personnel: 280

Cause: With no recent lightning and no prescribed fire, the fire’s cause is under investigation.

Management:

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2

6 20-person crews

4 engines

2 water tenders

1 helicopter

San Juan National Forest Closure Information:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sanjuan/alerts-notices

Reminder of road and trail closures

Related Incident: Plumtaw Fire

Publication Type: Announcement Thu, 05/26/2022 - 12:00

Memorial Day Weekend is almost here! Recreationists are reminded that road and trail closures are still in effect around Plumtaw Fire, which could affect your weekend plans. Please check the fire closure map and visit the link below for details.

Plumtaw Fire Update Thursday May 26th

Related Incident: Plumtaw Fire

Publication Type: News Thu, 05/26/2022 - 12:00

Plumtaw Fire Objectives:

To utilize risk management to reduce risks to the public and to firefighters.
To protect the Lost Valley of the San Juans subdivision and critical infrastructure, including the Fourmile Creek watershed, water intake, private lands, and additional infrastructure.

Plumtaw fire objectives continue to be met enabling the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team 2 to transfer command of the Plumtaw Fire to the San Juan National Forest on May 28 at 6 am. In preparation for the Memorial Day weekend, recreators are reminded of the trail and road closures near the fire area. Drone pilots must observe the temporary flight restrtictions (TFR) and not fly inside the fire’s airspace.

Yesterday’s accomplishments:

Containment increased again and is now at 72%, up 10% over yesterday.
Crews utilized the data from the thermal infrared detection and mapping data (NIROPS) flight, combined with the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) equipped with an IR camera, to locate and extinguish any remaining spots and areas of heat.
Rehabilitation work in the Lost Valley of the San Juans subdivision has been completed and residents have returned.

Today’s plan:

Seeking and extinguishing areas of heat continues. The greatest areas of heat are on the southcentral perimeter, in rugged canyons containing jackpots of dead and down fuel.
Rehabilitation of hand and dozer lines will continue as well as removal of hose lays were no longer needed.

Weather:

Upslope and up valley winds and warmer temperatures will continue over the fire area. Skies will be mostly sunny with lower humidity and poor overnight humidity recovery. A fire weather watch is in place starting Friday through the weekend.

Fire start date: May 17, 2022

Fire size today: 721 acres

Containment: 72%

Location: 7 miles north of Pagosa Springs, CO

Personnel: 364

Cause: With no recent lightning and no prescribed fire, the fire’s cause is under investigation.

Management:

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2

8 20-person crews

8 engines

2 water tenders

1 dozers

2 helicopters

1 skidgeon (skidder/engine)

TFR# ZDV2/5953

San Juan National Forest Closure Information:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sanjuan/alerts-notices

Drones:

Drones are hazards for our pilots and ground crews. Remember:

If You Fly, We Can’t!

Plumtaw Fire Update Wednesday May 25th

Related Incident: Plumtaw Fire

Publication Type: News Wed, 05/25/2022 - 12:00

Plumtaw Fire Objectives:

To utilize risk management to reduce risks to the public and to firefighters.
To protect the Lost Valley of the San Juans subdivision and critical infrastructure, including the Fourmile Creek watershed, water intake, private lands, and additional infrastructure.

Mop up operations will continue through the week as resources work along the fire’s controlled edge, beyond the perimeter, and into the interior. Air resources are available for initial attack in other areas of the region. Excess resources will be released and reassigned to other fires when they are no longer needed to meet Plumtaw fire objectives. A thermal infrared detection and mapping (NIROPS) flight identified areas of heat throughout the fire.

Yesterday’s accomplishments:

Mop up extinguishing residual fire to ensure it doesn't continue to spread outside an established containment area increased containment to 62%, an 11% increase over yesterday.
Rehabilitation work continued in the Lost Valley of the San Juans subdivision.

Today’s plan:

Rehabilitation of hand and dozer lines will continue to help minimize potential soil erosion.
An unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) equipped with an IR camera will give firefighters an aerial view of both the fire line and hot spots to be extinguished.
Firefighters will use maps developed from the NIROPS flight to locate and extinguish hot spots. Hose lays are being removed in areas where mop up is completed.

Weather:

Northwest and upslope winds and warmer temperatures will bring drier conditions over the fire area. Skies will be mostly sunny with a drop in humidity. Significantly warmer weather is expected at the end of the week.

Fire start date: May 17, 2022

Fire size today: 721 acres

Containment: 62%

Location: 7 miles north of Pagosa Springs, CO

Personnel: 461

Cause: With no recent lightning and no prescribed fire, the fire’s cause is under investigation.

Management:

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2

8 20-person crews

8 engines

2 water tenders

1 dozers

2 helicopters

1 skidgeon (skidder/engine)

Evacuation Information:

Archuleta County Emergency Operations Call Center

970/422-7084

For the latest Smoke Outlook, visit: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/1275a044

Plumtaw Fire Update Tuesday May 24th

Related Incident: Plumtaw Fire

Publication Type: News Tue, 05/24/2022 - 12:00

Plumtaw Fire Objectives:

To utilize risk management to reduce risks to the public and to firefighters.
To protect the Lost Valley of the San Juans subdivision and critical infrastructure, including the Fourmile Creek watershed, water intake, private lands, and additional infrastructure.

Fire resources continue to make progress securing the fire perimeter, taking advantage of the cool, cloudy weather and lower temperatures. Excess resources will be released when they are no long needed to meet Plumtaw fire objectives, due to the considerable of amount of work completed since the fire started. With extensive hose lay and water supply in place, minimal helicopter support is required by crews that are isolating and extinguishing hot spots, and two helicopters have been released. Needed firefighters, aviation resources, and equipment will remain on the uncontrolled fire line until containment objectives are met. Engines, sprinkler kits and hose will remain in the Lost Valley of the San Juans subdivision.

Yesterday’s accomplishments:

Containment nearly doubled, from 33% to 51%.
Engines and crews started rehabilitation work and continued patrols in the Lost Valley of the San Juans subdivision.

Today’s plan:

Rehabilitation work will continue in the Lost Valley of the San Juans subdivision.
Crews will continue to work hot spots, using GPS to locate areas of heat in the north end of the fire.
Hose lays will be removed where there are no hot spots.
Slash will be chipped to eliminate fuel at the controlled edge of the fie perimeter.

Weather:

A cold front will start the day with drier conditions and partly cloudy skies continuing. Breezy west winds will be present throughout the day.

Fire start date: May 17, 2022

Fire size today: 721 acres

Containment: 51%

Location: 7 miles north of Pagosa Springs, CO

Personnel: 461

Cause: With no recent lightning and no prescribed fire, the fire’s cause is under investigation.

Management:

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2

10 20-person crews

14 engines

5 water tenders

3 dozers

2 helicopters

1 skidgeon (skidder/engine)

1 chipper

Evacuation Information:

Archuleta County Emergency Operations Call Center

970/422-7084

For the latest Smoke Outlook, visit:

https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/1275a044

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