Black Mountain Fire Update
Friday, September 3 2021

MedBow-Routt Type 3 Team
Josh Morgan, Incident Commander; Blake Creagan, Incident Commander (Trainee)

Information Phone: 970-834-3373
Email: 2021.blackmountain.co@firenet.gov 
Information Staffing Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Current Situation: Firefighters have made significant progress working the edge of the fire, and last night the first sections of contained line were confirmed. Containment is now at 13%.  Today firefighters are looking to build on that progress, with a priority of adding more containment line along the eastern edge of the fire.

Rain Tuesday and Wednesday dropped as much as a half-inch of moisture on the fire. The road leading to the fire became a slick, muddy hazard. For safety reasons, fire managers kept some of the crews off the road and stationed at the Forward Operations Base. A few crews that have been camping near the fire were able to continue working the fire’s edge, helping to establish the new sections of containment line. 

Weather Conditions: Chance of showers and thunderstorms today with potentially erratic and gusty winds. The high temperature will be 66 degrees.

Evacuations, Closures, and Fire Restrictions:  Two zones in rural Grand County near Parshall remain in pre-evacuation status. For specific information in Grand County visit: https://gcgeo.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ca4f74421b69416da9be1b9b92166534

To sign up for emergency alerts in Grand County, go to https://www.co.grand.co.us/193/Sign-Up-for-Emergency-Alerts

For closures on BLM and National Forest lands related to the fire, visit the Black Mountain Fire InciWeb page at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7825/

We realize hunting has been impacted by the fire. For information on hunting units affected, refer to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Hunting Atlas at https://ndismaps.nrel.colostate.edu/index.html?app=HuntingAtlas
 
Grand County has Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. For information, visit www.gcemergency.com. You can also get information on wildfire preparedness at https://bewildfireready.org/

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland have Stage 1 Fire restrictions. For information, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mbr/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD923423

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place. Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Black Mountain Fire Statistics:
Size: 416 acres
Containment: 13%
Total Personnel: 171
Location: Approximately 8 miles NE of Kremmling
Reported: Sunday, Aug 29, 2021 at approximately 01:00 PM
Cause: Unknown, under investigation

For More Information:
Public Information Phone: 970-834-3373
Public email: 2021.blackmountain.co@firenet.gov
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7825
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackMountainFire2021
 

Black Mountain Fire Update
Thursday, September 2 2021
 
MedBow-Routt Type III Team
Josh Morgan, Incident Commander; Blake Creagan, Incident Commander (Trainee) 
 
Information Phone: 970-834-3373
Email: 2021.blackmountain.co@firenet.gov  
Inormation Staffing Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
 
Current Situation:  Firefighters were able to directly engage the edge of the fire in several locations yesterday. The Black Mesa “hot shot” crew put out hot spots and cold-trailed along the western edge of the fire, where there was minimal fire activity. Cold trailing is a method of controlling an inactive fire edge by carefully inspecting and feeling with the hand for heat to detect any fire, digging out every live spot and trenching any live edge. Other crews were able to begin digging fireline along the southeastern edge of the fire.  Rain fell on the fire area yesterday afternoon overnight, which moderated fire activity.
 
Rain will continue to slow fire behavior today. Access to the fire may be limited due to muddy road conditions. Firefighters plan to “go direct” and build on yesterday’s progress establishing fireline.  A heavy equipment crew will start dozer line near the southeast edge of the fire.  Aerial Operations will continue to support firefighters, as needed, with water or retardant drops from helicopters.
 
Weather Conditions: The fire area received .25 inch of rain as of this morning. There is a chance of rain showers and thunderstorms until late afternoon.
 
Evacuations, Closures, and Fire Restrictions:  Two zones in rural Grand County near Parshall remain in pre-evacuation status. For specific information in Grand County visit: https://gcgeo.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ca4f74421b69416da9be1b9b92166534

To sign up for emergency alerts in Grand County, go to https://www.co.grand.co.us/193/Sign-Up-for-Emergency-Alerts

For closures on BLM and National Forest lands related to the fire, visit the Black Mountain Fire InciWeb page at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7825/

Grand County has Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. For information, visit www.gcemergency.com. You can also get information on wildfire preparedness at https://bewildfireready.org/

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland have Stage 1 Fire restrictions. For information, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mbr/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD923423

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place. 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. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Black Mountain Fire Statistics:
Size: 416 acres 
Containment: 0%
Total Personnel: 167
Location: Approximately 8 miles NE of Kremmling
Reported: Sunday, August 29, 2021 at approximately 01:00 PM
Cause: Unknown, under investigation
 
For More Information:
Public Information Phone: 970-834-3373
Public email: 2021.blackmountain.co@firenet.gov
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7825 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackMountainFire2021  
  

Black Mountain Fire Update
Wednesday, September 1
 
MedBow-Routt Type III Team
Josh Morgan, Incident Commander; Blake Creagan, Incident Commander (Trainee) 

Information Phone: 970-834-3373
Email: 2021.blackmountain.co@firenet.gov 
Information Staffing Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
 
Special notes: The MedBow-Routt Type 3 team assumed command of the Black Mountain Fire yesterday morning.
 
Current Situation: Data from a Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) flight yesterday afternoon showed the fire increased to 393 acres in size. The increase is due to a combination of better mapping through the MMA flight and continued slow growth as the fire burns in high, remote terrain. Air Operations made heavy use of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft yesterday, dropping retardant to fortify the area around the fire perimeter.

Operations leaders have been able to bring in more resources, including one Type 1 “hotshot” crew and two more Type 2 crews.  Heavy equipment is also arriving, as dozers will be used to help create fireline where needed. Firefighter safety remains our top priority, and crews will engage the fire only when it is considered safe to do so. 

Weather and Fuel Conditions: Thunderstorms are expected to move into the area around midday, bringing strong winds with gusts of up to 40mph. 
 
Evacuations, Closures, and Fire Restrictions:  Two zones in rural Grand County near Parshall remain in pre-evacuation status. For specific information in Grand County visit: Grand County Sheriffs Office Website
 
To sign up for emergency alerts in Grand County, go to Emergency Alerts

For closures on BLM and National Forest lands related to the fire, visit the Black Mountain Fire InciWeb page at BLM and USFS CLosures

Grand County has Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. For information, visit Grand County Fire Restrictions Website

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland have Stage 1 Fire restrictions. For information, go to Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest Fire Restrictions Website

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place. 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. For more information, visit Know Before You Fly Website

Black Mountain Fire Statistics:
Size: 393 acres Containment: 0%
Total Personnel: 143
Location: Approximately 8 miles NE of Kremmling
Reported: Sunday, August 29, 2021 at approximately 01:00 PM
Cause: Unknown, under investigation
 
For More Information: Public Information Phone: 970-834-3373
Public email: 2021.blackmountain.co@firenet.gov
InciWeb: Black Mountain Fire InciWeb 
Facebook: Black Mountain Fire Facebook  


  

Road Closure Update:
August 31, 2021 
 Please note that County Road 21 is closed at the junction with Highway 40.

Be sure to follow Grand County Sheriff's Office - Colorado and Grand County Government for additional information.

Bureau of Land Management Closure
In order to protect persons, property and public lands and resources the following public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management are closed to all public use: All BLM managed lands within proximity to the Black Mountain Fire in Grand County as identified on the attached map.

The closure order is further defined as all BLM lands within the following boundaries:
On the south by Highway 40
On the west by County Road 2
On the east by County Road 21, and
On the north by Arapaho National Forest lands

In accordance with 43 CFR 8364.1 (a) To protect, persons property and public lands and resources, the authorized officer may issue an order to restrict use of designated public lands. The emergency closure will remain in effect until the area is cleared of emergency activities providing for safe public access. If you have any questions about this emergency closure, please contact the Bureau of Land Management Kremmling Field Office at (970) 724-3000. Executed in Kremmling, Colorado, August 30, 2021.

Black Fire Mountain Update
Tuesday August 31, 2021

Update: Overnight the fire was actively burning and consuming fuel at a moderate pace. The fire did not make any big runs. The landscape the fire is burning in is fragmented with pockets of timber and sagebrush. The fire has been burning downslope in multiple directions, with the majority of it still to the south and east. The fire continues to receive additional resources including 1 handcrew and additional engines. 2 helicopters continue to provide aerial supporting including 1 Type-1 helicopter and 1 Type-3 helicopter.

An updated acreage is expected later today after the next flight assessment.

Weather and Fuel Conditions: Tuesday will be sunny and expect dry conditions throughout the day. There is a slight chance for an isolated shower to develop during the late afternoon hours. There is the potential for brief gusty winds associated with the showers. The weather looks more favorable as the week progresses with chances for relative humidities to improve and increase in showers and thunderstorms.

Closures and Evacuations: Pre-evacuation notices were issued by Grand County on Sunday, August 29. There are no additional pre-evacuation notices at this time.

There are area closures for both the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management at this time. 

Black Mountain Fire Statistics:
Size:  170 acres
Personnel: 29 
Location: Grand County, Colorado, approximately 8 miles NE of Kremmling
Reported: Sunday August 29, 2021, approximately 01:00 PM
Cause: Unknown, under investigation

For More Information:
Fire Information Phone Line: 970-834-3373
Email: 2021.blackmountain.co@firenet.gov
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7825/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackMountainFire2021
   

 Black Fire Mountain Update
Monday August 30, 2021

Monday a.m., 8/30
- Awaiting flight information to give an acreage update
- The fire has grown SE since last report
- Transfer of management to Type III team is underway
- Area closures for both Forest Service and BLM will be in place later today
- No additional pre-evac from Grand County at this time   
 
Monday mid-day, 8/30
- Flight information from this morning maps the fire at 170 acres
- The fire has grown south and east since first report
- Transfer of management to Type III team (more complex) is underway
- Area closures for both Forest Service and BLM will be in place later today
- No additional pre-evac from Grand County at this time
- Located on National Forest
- Just west of Slide Mountain, approx 8 miles NE of Kremmling
- For Grand County information visit gcemergency.com
- Fire cause is unknown
- Initial report was at 1 pm on Sunday, Aug. 29 
- This is expected to be an extended duration fire   

Black Mountain Fire Update
Sunday August 29, 2021 

- Approx 150 acres
- A Type III Incident Management Team (more complex) has been ordered
- Mostly on National Forest, small amount on BLM 
- Located just west of Slide Mountain, approx 8 miles NE of Kremmling
- For Grand County information visit gcemergency.com
- Pre-evacuation notices have been issued by Grand County
- Fire cause is unknown
- Initial report was at 1 pm on Sunday, Aug. 29 
- A Forest area closure is expected to be put in place on Monday
- This is expected to be an extended duration fire  
- Multiple engines are on scene
- A large air tanker and helicopter are working the fire
- Additional resources have been ordered 
- Fire is expected to burn through the night 
- Multiple engines, a large air tanker, and helicopter worked the fire
- Additional resources were ordered 
- The fire burned through the night

Forest Order PDF
Forest Order Map PDF 

FOREST ORDER
USDA FOREST SERVICE
ROUTT NATIONAL FOREST
Parks Ranger District

FIRE CLOSURE
Black Mountain Fire Area

Pursuant to 16 United States Code (U.S.C.) § 551 and 36 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on those National Forest Service lands described as the Black Mountain Fire Area (the “Restricted Area”) and on all roads and trails within the Restricted Area (the “Restricted Roads and Trails”) all within Arapaho National Forest administered by the Parks Ranger District, Routt National Forest. The Restricted Area and Restricted Roads and Trails are depicted on the attached map hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A and are as follows: from the southwest corner of the Arapaho National Forest Boundary, continue east along the Forest Service boundary to Forest Service Road 112. Follow Forest Service Road 112 to the north to Forest Service Road 125, follow Forest Service Road 125 to the north edge of Township 2, Range 78, Section 5, then move west along that section line to the Forest Boundary.
 
Closed roads and trails include: NFSR 112 system, NFSR 12, NFSR 121, NFSR 137.1A and 137.2B

The purpose of this Order is to provide for public safety and prevent interference with firefighting operations.  

PROHIBITIONS: This Order prohibits the following:

1. Going into or being upon an area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(e).
2. Being on a trail. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).
3. Being on a road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).

EXEMPTIONS: Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order.

1. Any federal, state, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
2. Persons or entities with a written Forest Service exemption specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order. 

This Order will remain in effect until December 31, 2021, or until is rescinded, whichever event occurs first.

Done at Laramie, Wyoming, this 30th day of August, 2021. 

RUSSELL M BACON
Forest Supervisor, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland

Violations of this prohibition are punishable by a fine of not more than $5000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559 and 3571. 

 GCemergency.com: The Grand County Sheriff has issued a pre-evacuation order for areas K11 and the west half of HSS21.