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 activity continues to moderate as a result of cool cloudy weather and diligent work by crews. With more of the fire perimeter secured, many areas are now in patrol and in mop up status. An extensive hose lay system of over 6,000 feet with multiple pumping stations supplies water to crews while they work to extinguish lingering areas of heat. Air assets continue to be available to support crews on the ground. Fire resources and equipment will remain on scene until containment objectives are met.  

 
 Yesterday’s accomplishments:  

• Crews worked to find and extinguish hot spots and secured and improved line. 
• Crews nearly completed line construction to connect the west and east sections along the northern perimeter.  
• Crews are improving, securing and mopping up completed line. 

 

Today’s plan: 

• Engines and crews will begin rehabbing hand lines around structures in the Lost Valley of the San Juans subdivision. 
• Securing line and mop up will continue on the fire’s perimeter. 
• Crews are extinguishing hot spots and using portable tanks and an extensive hose lay system.  
• A UAS (drone) is on order to support identifying spot fires on the northeast portion of the fire.

Weather: 

Cool, cloudy, breezy weather will remain in the area through Tuesday. A warming trend begins on Wednesday.  
 

Fire start date:  May 17, 2022 

  

Fire size today: 721 acres  

 

Containment: 33% 

 

Location: 7 miles north of Pagosa Springs, CO 

  

Personnel: 448  

 

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

 

Management: 

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2  

 

12 20-person crews  

20 engines 

5 water tenders 

2 dozers  

4 helicopters  

1 skidgeon (skidder/engine) 

 

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

 
 
 

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. Crews will mop up to the extent necessary to prevent further fire spread and helicopters remain on stand-by for water drops, crew support, and initial attack as needed. Fire crews, aviation resources, and equipment will remain on scene until containment objectives are met.  

 

Smoke will be visible as fuels and vegetation continue to smolder and burn within the fire perimeter.  
 

Yesterday’s accomplishments: 

• Engines and crews continued work and patrols in the Lost Valley of the San Juans subdivision. 
• Crews continued constructing line, establishing hose lays, patrolling, and mopping up.  
• Helicopters supported crews with cooling active fire.  

Today’s plan: 

• Engines and crews will continue work and patrols in the Lost Valley of the San Juans subdivision. 
• Line construction and mop up will continue on the fire’s perimeter. 
• Crews are continuing to extend hose lays to extinguish spots.  

 

Weather: 

A cool, cloudy, and breezy pattern persists. Mid-day gusts to 25 mph are expected. Winds will be slightly more westerly. 

Fire start date:  May 17, 2022 

 

Fire size today: 721 acres  

Containment: 12%  
 

Location: 7 miles north of Pagosa Springs, CO 

  

Personnel: 437  

 

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  

18 engines 

5 water tenders 

3 dozers  

6 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   

 
 

Media Contact:Scott Owen / (970) 422-2671scott.owen@usda.gov

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Effective May 20th San Juan National Forest and partners implement fire restrictions due to critical conditions

Durango, Colo., May 19, 2022— San Juan National Forest Fire Management Staff are implementing Stage I Fire Restrictions on all National Forest System lands within the San Juan National Forest, including wilderness, beginning at 12:01 am on Friday, May 20th. Fire restrictions are designed to protect public safety and our area natural resources. Southwest Colorado is in extreme drought with continued hot, dry weather creating a critical fire environment. The fine for violating campfire restrictions in Stage I has been raised to $500 in Colorado.
 
The following are PROHIBITED under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on the San Juan National Forest:

• Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire (includes fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes) outside of a permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas). $500 fine.
• o EXCEPT: The use of a stove or grill solely fueled by liquid petroleum fuels, or a fully enclosed metal stove, grill, or sheep herder type stove with a chimney at least 5’ and a mesh screen spark arrestor.
• Smoking. Except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3’ in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. $300 fine.
• Operating a chainsaw without an effective and properly installed USDA- or Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)- approved spark arrestor, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of 2A) kept with the operator, and a round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use. $300 fine.
• Blasting, welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame without being in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and keeping a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of 2A) with the operator. $300 fine.
• Using an explosive. This includes but is not limited to fuses, blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, tracers, and incendiary ammunition. $300. $500 for exploding targets.

Neighboring federal, state, and local fire managers are also entering fire restrictions. We work closely with our partners in fire prevention to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires across the landscape. Visit the Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center fire restrictions page and know before you go.

Almost 90% of all wildfires on public lands are started by humans. It is every forest visitor’s responsibility to recreate responsibly and follow best practices. To report a fire call 9-1-1.

For information on current fire restrictions, conditions, and recreation opportunities on the San Juan National Forest, call (970) 247-4874, visit the forest website, or follow us on social media (Twitter and Facebook).

Plumtaw Fire Objectives: 1) To utilize risk management to reduce risks to the public and to firefighters. 2) 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.
No fire growth occurred yesterday. Smoldering continues to be observed due to the quantity of heavy fuels and heat present.   Yesterday’s accomplishments: ·   Due to minimal fire behavior, crews and equipment had a successful and safe day by implementing line construction, establishing hose lays, patrolling, and conducting mop-up to meet full suppression objectives. ·    Helicopters provided continuous bucket support to crews working on the fire perimeter as large ground fuels are still burning and producing smoke. ·    Structure assessments were completed in the Lost Valley of the San Juans subdivision.

Today’s plan:·         Crews will continue establishing hose lays, patrolling and mopping up.·         Engine and crews will continue to be engaged in the Lost Valley of the San Juans subdivision.·         Helicopters will be utilized as needed to support crews with cooling active fire. Weather·   Today will be mostly cloudy with continued breezy winds and light morning precipitation. Tonight, scattered rain/snow showers with breezy southwest wind are expected. Warmer, drier weather is anticipated by Wednesday
According to airport records, the period from April 1 to May 20 was the windiest in the last 30 years.  Fire start date: May 17, 2022
Fire size today: 727 acres
Containment: 0%
   Location: 7 miles north of Pagosa Springs, CO Personnel: 336
  
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

14 engines

5 water tenders

2 dozers

8 helicopters

1 skidgeon

  Evacuation Information: Archuleta County Emergency Operations Call Center 970/422-7084

The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 (Team 2) arrived in Pagosa Springs yesterday and is now managing the Plumtaw Fire. Fire management objectives are: 1) to utilize risk management to reduce risks to the public and to firefighters, and 2) 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. Red Flag warnings continue today and near critical fire weather is expected. Winds will be west-southwest, 15-20 mph, gusting to 45 mph. Yesterday’s accomplishments:

•  A multi-mission aircraft flight provided better mapping of the fire’s size, which is now 727 acres.
• The fire’s foot print did not grow. Cloud cover diminished fire behavior and mitigated yesterday’s wind event.
• Different fuel types on the fire ground, including aspen stands and grassy meadows, also moderated fire activity. These fuel types do not carry fire as readily as the Ponderosa pine and Gambel oak prolific where the fire is burning.
• Structure groups continued to assess and prepare structures in the Lost Valley of the San Juan subdivision and provided point protection as needed.

Today’s plan:

• Crews are scouting locations, including roads adjacent to the subdivision, from which they could directly engage the fire, if conditions are favorable.
• Structure protection work will be completed.
• Helicopters will do bucket work as winds allow.
• More resources are arriving at the fire.

 PAGOSA SPRINGS, Colo., 19 May, 2022—The Plumtaw Fire is burning 7 miles north of Pagosa Springs. An evacuation notice is still in place for the Lost Valley of the San Juans, located in northern Archuleta and southern Mineral Counties, CO. No further evacuations or pre-evacuations have been ordered. For evacuation information, contact the Archuleta County Emergency Operations Call Center at 970-422-7084. The fire area is closed to the public, per closure order SJN-2022-07. The closure includes Fourmile Road (NFSR 645) at the forest boundary, Plumtaw Road (NFSR 634) from the junction of McManus Road (NFSR 633), Fourmile Trail, Anderson Trail, and Cade Mountain ATV Trail.  

Yesterday, crews safely and effectively anchored and secured the line off the Fourmile Road and Plumtaw Road. Significant cloud cover helped limit fire behavior and fire retardant application on the north flank kept the fire in check. Today, critical fire weather is expected, with high temperatures, high winds and very low humidity, which may create challenges for firefighters.
Crews worked diligently throughout Wednesday’s operational period and bedded down yesterday evening to prepare for today. “Fire managers have to practice risk-based decision making and keeping our firefighters and the public safe is the number one priority,” said Incident Commander Brad Pietruszka. “Potential still exists for the fire to cross Fourmile Road, but well-rested crews are better prepared to make good, safe, and effective decisions.”  Acres burned: 735
 Personnel: 184
 Containment: 0%
 Cost to date: 1.1 million The San Juan National Forest will enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at 12:01am on Friday, May 20. More information is to come this week on fire restriction implementation.

For regular up-to-date information on the Plumtaw Fire, visit the InciWeb page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8113/ and follow the Plumtaw Fire Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PlumtawFire

 ORDER NUMBER SJNF-2022-07
FOREST ORDERUSDA FOREST SERVICE
SAN JUAN NATIONAL FOREST
 
Pagosa Ranger District
Pursuant to Title l6 U.S.C. § 551, and 36 CFR §§ 261.50(a), 261.50(b) and 261.52(e), the following is prohibited from May 18, 2022 until further notice.
 
 Entering or being on the any of the following roads and trails:
• Fourmile Road (NFSR 645) from the forest boundary to its northern terminus 
• Plumtaw Road (NFSR 634)
• Fourmile Trail (NFST 569)
• Anderson Trail (NFST 579)
• Cade Mountain ATV Trail (NFST 322)
 
 This closure is further depicted on the attached map hereby incorporated and included in this Order as Exhibit 1. This Order is necessary to protect public health and safety and to provide for firefighter safety during fire operations associated with the Plumtaw Fire.Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following are exempt from this order:l. Any federal, state, or local official, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an authorized official duty; and2. Persons with a Forest Service permit issued by the District Ranger or Forest Supervisor specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
 Done at Durango, this 18 day of May 2022.

 PAGOSA SPRINGS, Colo., 18 May, 2022—The Plumtaw Fire is burning 7 miles north of Pagosa Springs, 2 miles west of the intersections of Plumtaw and Fourmile Roads. An evacuation notice has been issued for the Lost Valley of the San Juans, located in Mineral County, CO. No further evacuations or pre-evacuations have been ordered at this time. For evacuation information, contact the Archuleta County Emergency Operations Call Center at 970-422-7084. The fire area will be closed to the public, including Fourmile Road (NFSR 645) at the forest boundary, and Plumtaw Road (NFSR 634) from the junction of McManus Road (NFSR 633). This closure includes Fourmile Falls Trailhead.

  The Plumtaw Fire was mapped via infrared satellite imagery at 613 acres as of 10am this morning.  Overnight, the fire backed down to within 150 feet of Fourmile Road (NFSR 645). Firefighters sent a low-intensity fire from the road to meet the oncoming fire to create a buffer, an operation known as a “burn out.” This strategic tool will allow for better visibility during the day and provide opportunities to work off Fourmile Road as a holding line. Hazardous fuels treatments completed in 2021 along the Fourmile Road helped crews hold the fire at that road.    Today fire personnel will focus efforts on the northeast corner near Four Mile Road (NFSR 400), protecting the Fourmile Creek watershed and Lost Valley Subdivision and keeping the fire north of Plumtaw Road (NFSR 634). The cause of the fire is under investigation.   The San Juan National Forest will enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at 12:01am on Friday, May 20. More information is to come this week on fire restriction implementation.  

For regular up-to-date information on the Plumtaw Fire, visit the InciWeb page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8113/

 

Evacuation notice has been issued for nearby residents

PAGOSA SPRINGS, Colo., 17 May, 2022—The Plumtaw Fire is burning 7 miles north of Pagosa Springs, 2 miles west of the intersections of Plumtaw and Fourmile Roads. An evacuation notice has been issued for the Lost Valley of the San Juans, located in Mineral County, CO. For evacuation information, contact the Archuleta County Emergency Operations Call Center at 970-422-7084. The fire area will be closed to the public, including Fourmile Road (NFSR 645) at the forest boundary, and Plumtaw Road (NFSR 634) from the junction of McManus Road (NFSR 633). This closure includes Fourmile Falls Trailhead.

 

The Plumtaw Fire was most recently mapped at over 600 acres and growing. Multiple Large Air Tankers (LATs), one lead plane, an air attack platform, and 3 helicopters have worked this afternoon and evening with ground crews to suppress the fire. A Type 3 Incident Management Team will be taking command of the incident, and a Complex Incident Management Team (formerly referred to as a Type I or II Team) has been ordered along with additional resources and crews. Resources from multiple state, federal, county, and municipal agencies are working in close coordination.

 

The Forest Service was notified about the fire at approximately 1 PM on May 17th and is burning in Ponderosa pine, Gambel oak, and mixed conifer. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

 

The San Juan National Forest is planning to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions no later than May 25th. More information is to come this week on fire restriction implementation.

All resources on the Slab Road fire were reassigned to the Twin Starts Fire on May 19th. The fire is currently in patrol and monitor status, with minimal fire activity observed. No evacuations or closures are in place. Containment is at 90%. Crews will continue to monitor the fire and mop-up hotspots, until containment reaches 100%.

Skies are in the process of becoming mostly cloudy. Dew Points are in the middle to upper 60s wit RH values near 70 percent. Highs today

will top out around 98 with a min humidity near 30 percent. South winds will prevail once again through the period. There is a 20 percent chance

of a shower or storm late this afternoon.