Middle Fork Fire Fact Sheet for 9/19/2020       
Acres: 5,837                                                                           
Incident Commander: Brandon Voegtle, Type 3 IMT
Fire Information phone line: 970-724-3027                                             
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7153/

Today’s Situation: The fire has approached to within approximately one mile of the Mount Zirkel Wilderness boundary in the Middle Fork drainage and on the ridge north of South Fork drainage. Structure protection planning, and trail and road clearing continue. Firefighters’ objective is to fully contain the Middle Fork Fire, while keeping public and firefighter safety as the highest priority. Its Wilderness location, heavy fuels, and hazardous conditions limit options for direct attack. Use of aerial resources to drop water over hot spots helps reduce intensity and slows the fire’s advance while crews prepare control features where they have the highest probability of success. Visitors need to avoid entering the area closure (see Forest Closure below) for their own safety and to allow firefighters to focus on fire operations, rather than visitor management.

Weather: Partly cloudy with isolated showers possible in the afternoon. Highs today are predicted to be in the lower 60s. Down-valley winds of 5 - 10 mph this morning will shift to southwest winds of 10 - 18 mph, gusting to 30 mph this afternoon. Relative humidity will be higher at 22 -27%. Chance for scattered showers over the next several days.

Fire Behavior: Cloud cover, cooler temperatures, and higher humidity tend to calm fire behavior; however, gusty winds can cause flare-ups and toss burning embers into unburned fuels. Crews will be watchful over the next several days for any changes and new fire activity, keeping helicopters ready for action when weather allows them to fly. The Incident Management Team expects this full suppression fire to burn until a persistent seasonal change of weather arrives.

Firefighting Resources: Approximately 96 personnel are assigned to the fire, including four helicopters (2-Type 1 and 2-Type 3) and a fixed-wing air attack to help coordinate aerial operations.

Evacuations: There are no evacuation or pre-evacuation orders in effect. If the fire were to reach any pre-identified management action points, it would trigger Routt County to initiate pre-evacuation orders through their reverse-911 system. To sign up for alerts, visit http://routtcountyalerts.com.

Forest Closure: Routt National Forest has expanded its closure area. The closure boundary follows Mount Zirkel Wilderness boundary on east. On the south it follows Trail 1132 (Newcomb Creek), Trail 1101 (CDNST), the Wilderness boundary, and Trails 1100 (Swamp Park), 1140 (Saddle), 1140.1A (Saddle Cut-off), and 1171 (Red Dirt). On the west it follows the boundary between National Forest and private lands east of Big Creek from Red Dirt Trailhead to Trail 1176 (Roaring Fork) and continues north along the Wilderness boundary. On the north it follows the North Fork Drainage up to The Dome, east to Lost Ranger Peak, CDNST, and Trail 1131 (Lost Ranger). Trails 1131, 1132, 1166, and 1140 are open. Portion of Trails 1100 and 1171 are open where they follow the closure boundary, closed where they enter the closed area. No roads or trailheads are closed.

Closed trails include:

• Appx. 10 miles of CDNST from 1132 to 1131
• 1130 Rainbow Lake
• 1179 Roxy Ann Lake
• 1099 Ditch Creek
• 1100 and 1100.4A Swamp Park (within Wilderness Area only)
• 1118 Elk Park
• 1168 Luna Lake
• 1168.1 Fish Hawk Lake
• 1170 Chilton
• 1182 Crags
• 1184 Big Creek Lake
• 1171 Red Dirt past Trail 1140 intersection
  

Fire Restrictions: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect in Routt and Jackson counties, on all of the Routt National Forest, and across much of Northwest Colorado.

Middle Fork Fire Fact Sheet for 9/18/2020       
Acres: 5,445                                                                           
Incident Commander: Brandon Voegtle, Type 3 IMT
Fire Information phone line: 970-724-3027                                             
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7153/

Today’s Situation: The fire has spread west onto the ridge north of South Fork drainage. Helicopters are helping to keep this growth in check. Forecasted winds out of the west today should push the western perimeter of the fire back into areas already burned, limiting the fire’s rate of spread to the west. The area closure has been extended to the west to keep the recreating public out of harm’s way. Crews have begun preparing an indirect fire line along Elk Park trail and are weighing other options for direct line construction. They are engaging the fire when and where they have the highest probability of success with public and firefighter safety as the highest priority. Visitors, please avoid entering the area closure (see Forest Closure below) for your own safety and to allow firefighters to focus on fire operations, rather than visitor management.

Fire Behavior: With moderate fire behavior, the fire is advancing through heavy fuels, especially when winds, topography, and fuels align. It is burning most actively in the late afternoon hours. While this is a full suppression fire, the Incident Management Team expects the fire to burn until a persistent seasonal change of weather arrives.

Weather: Mostly sunny with increasing clouds this afternoon. Highs today are predicted to be in the upper 60s. Down-valley winds of 5 - 10 mph this morning will shift to west winds of 6 – 12 mph, gusting to 20 mph this afternoon. Relative humidity will be higher at 13 – 18%. Chance for scattered showers for several days starting this weekend.

Firefighting Resources: Approximately 95 personnel are assigned to the fire, including three helicopters (2-Type 1 and 2-Type 3) and fixed-wing air attack to help coordinate aerial operations.

Evacuations: There are no evacuation or pre-evacuation orders in effect. If the fire were to reach any pre-identified management action points, it would trigger Routt County to initiate pre-evacuation orders through their reverse-911 system. To sign up for alerts, visit http://routtcountyalerts.com

Forest Closure: Routt National Forest has expanded the closure area. The closure boundary follows Mount Zirkel Wilderness boundary on east. On the south it follows Trail 1132 (Newcomb Creek), Trail 1101 (CDNST), the Wilderness boundary, and Trails 1100 (Swamp Park), 1140 (Saddle), and 1171 (Red Dirt). On the west it follows the boundary between National Forest and private lands east of Big Creek from Red Dirt Trailhead to Trail 1176 (Roaring Fork) and continues north along the Wilderness boundary. On the north it follows the North Fork Drainage up to The Dome, east to Lost Ranger Peak, CDNST, and Trail 1131 (Lost Ranger). Trails 1131, 1132, 1166, and 1140 are open. Portion of Trails 1100 and 1171 are open where they follow the closure boundary, closed where they enter the closed area. No roads or trailheads are closed.

Closed trails include:

• Appx. 10 miles of CDNST from 1132 to 1131
• 1130 Rainbow Lake
• 1179 Roxy Ann Lake
• 1099 Ditch Creek
• 1100 and 1100.4A Swamp Park (within Wilderness Area only)
• 1118 Elk Park
• 1168 Luna Lake
• 1168.1 Fish Hawk Lake
• 1170 Chilton
• 1182 Crags
• 1184 Big Creek Lake
• 1171 Red Dirt past Trail 1140 intersection
• 1140.1A Saddle Cut-off
  

Fire Restrictions: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect in Routt and Jackson counties, on all of the Routt National Forest, and across much of Northwest Colorado.

Middle Fork Fire Fact Sheet for 9/17/2020       
Acres: 5,445                                                                           
Incident Commander: Brandon Voegtle, Type 3 IMT
Fire Information phone line: 970-724-3027                                             
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7153/

Today’s Situation: The fire has been burning more actively for the past couple of days. The most significant fire growth has occurred at the southwest corner of the fire perimeter following winds, fuels, and topography onto a ridge on the south side of the Middle Fork of Mad Creek. Similar conditions are expected to continue today. Potential for stronger winds increases Friday and Saturday. Firefighters are employing a full-suppression strategy, engaging the fire when and where they have the highest probability for success with public and firefighter safety as the highest priority. Visitors, please avoid entering the area closure (see Forest Closure below,) for your own safety and to allow firefighters to focus on fire operations, rather than visitor management.

Fire Behavior: The fire continues to advance through heavy fuels, especially when winds, topography, and fuels align. The most active burn period is during the hottest part of the day, in the late afternoon hours. The Type 1 helicopter was used yesterday to drop water over hotspots and will be deployed again today. An old burn scar to the north and the Continental Divide to the east are natural barriers that should help limit the fire’s ability to spread in those directions. While this is a full suppression fire, the Incident Management Team expects the fire to burn until a persistent seasonal change of weather arrives.

Weather: Highs today are predicted to be in the mid-60s to mid-70s. Light down-valley winds of 3 – 5 mph are expected to transition to up-valley at 4 – 8 mph by late morning. Relative humidity is holding at 10 – 15%. A fast-moving front is forecasted to move into the area Friday, bringing potential for scattered thunderstorm activity and associated gusty, erratic winds this weekend.

Fuels and terrain: Middle Fork Fire is burning in heavy timber with a large percentage of standing and down dead trees over steep, rugged, high-elevation terrain.

Firefighting Resources: Approximately 95 personnel are assigned to the fire, including three helicopters (1-Type 1 and 2-Type 3).

Forest Closure: A Routt National Forest closure is in effect within the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area – closure area follows Wilderness boundary on east and west; on the south it follows the Wilderness boundary, Trail 1101 (CDNST) and Trail 1132 (Newcomb Creek); and on the north it follows Trail 1131 (Lost Ranger), CDNST south to Lost Ranger Peak, west to The Dome, and down the North Fork drainage. Trails 1131 and 1132 are open. No roads or trailheads are closed.

Closed trails include:

• Appx. 10 miles of CDNST from 1132 to 1131
• 1130 Rainbow Lake
• 1179 Roxy Ann Lake
• 1099 Ditch Creek
• 1100 and 1100.4A Mad Creek
• 1118 Elk Park
• 1168 Luna Lake
• 1168.1 Fish Hawk Lake
• 1170 Chilton
• 1182 Crags
• 1184 Big Creek Lake
  

Fire Restrictions: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect in Routt and Jackson counties, on all of the Routt National Forest, and across much of Northwest Colorado.

Middle Fork Fire Fact Sheet for 9/16/2020       
Acres: 4,807                                                                                           
Incident Commander: Brandon Voegtle, Type 3 IMT
Fire Information phone line: 970-724-3027                                             
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7153/

Today’s Situation: Smoke from Middle Fork Fire is visible rising from the fire area this morning, as a heavy haze from West Coast fires envelopes the region. Most of the recent fire growth has been near the heel of the fire along the west side, as the fire slowly backs downslope and upwind in heavy timber. Crews have been working hard clearing thousands of trees that have fallen across roads and trails throughout the area that are used by firefighters and the public. Firefighters are bucking and limbing blowdown, cutting standing dead trees, and piling dead fuels that are near Rainbow Lakes Trailhead to reduce hazardous fuels. Firefighters on the ground near the fire are monitoring and reporting fire activity and taking on-site weather readings. Please avoid the closed area within the Mount Zirkel Wilderness (see Forest Closure below,) allowing firefighters to focus on fire operations, rather than visitor management.

Fire Behavior: The fire has been producing some noticeable smoke since a return to warm, sunny weather, especially in the mid- to late afternoon hours. The fire continues creeping through heavy dead and down timber, with single tree torching and group tree torching along the fire perimeter. The fire is slowly backing to the west in isolated areas. An old burn scar to the north and the Continental Divide to the east are natural barriers that limit the fire’s ability to spread in those directions. Prevailing winds tend to push the fire toward those natural barriers. The Incident Management Team expects the fire to burn until a persistent seasonal change of weather arrives.

Weather: Highs today are predicted to be slightly cooler, in the 60s to 70s with southwest winds of 4 - 8 mph gusting to 20 mph along higher ridges after 1:00 p.m. Relative humidity continues its fall to 10 – 15% today.

Fuels and terrain: Middle Fork Fire is burning in heavy timber with a large percentage of standing and down dead trees over steep, rugged, high-elevation terrain.

Firefighting Resources: Approximately 95 personnel are assigned to the fire, including three helicopters (1-Type 1 and 2-Type 3).

Forest Closure: A Routt National Forest closure is in effect within the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area – closure area follows Wilderness boundary on east and west; on the south it follows the Wilderness boundary, Trail 1101 (CDNST) and Trail 1132 (Newcomb Creek); and on the north it follows Trail 1131 (Lost Ranger), CDNST south to Lost Ranger Peak, west to The Dome, and down the North Fork drainage. Trails 1131 and 1132 are open. No roads or trailheads are closed.

Closed trails include:

• Appx. 10 miles of CDNST from 1132 to 1131
• 1130 Rainbow Lake
• 1179 Roxy Ann Lake
• 1099 Ditch Creek
• 1100 and 1100.4A Mad Creek
• 1118 Elk Park
• 1168 Luna Lake
• 1168.1 Fish Hawk Lake
• 1170 Chilton
• 1182 Crags
• 1184 Big Creek Lake
  

Fire Restrictions: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect in Routt County, on all of the Routt National Forest, and across much of Northwest Colorado.

Middle Fork Fire Fact Sheet for 9/15/2020       
Acres: 4,795                                                                                           
Incident Commander: Brandon Voegtle, Type 3 IMT
Fire Information phone line: 970-724-3027                                             
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7153/

Today’s Situation: Updated acreage is based on flyover yesterday. A new map will be posted on Inciweb when it becomes available. Crews continue clearing trees that have fallen across roads and trails throughout the area that are used by firefighters and the public. They are also working on reducing hazardous fuels around Rainbow Lakes Trailhead and preparing helicopter landing zones in case they are needed. Firefighters are on the ground near the fire monitoring and reporting fire activity and taking on-site weather readings. Visitors are reminded to avoid the closed area within the Mount Zirkel Wilderness (see Forest Closure below) for their own safety and to allow firefighters to focus on fire operations, rather than visitor management.

Fire Behavior: The fire has been producing some noticeable smoke since a return to warm, sunny weather, especially in the mid- to late afternoon hours. The fire continues creeping through heavy dead and down timber, with single tree torching and group tree torching along the fire perimeter. The fire is slowly backing to the west in isolated areas. An old burn scar to the north and the Continental Divide to the east are natural barriers that limit the fire’s ability to spread in those directions. Prevailing winds tend to push the fire toward those natural barriers. The Incident Management Team expects the fire to burn until a persistent seasonal change of weather arrives.

Weather: Highs today are predicted to be slightly cooler, in the upper 60s with southwest winds of 5 mph shifting to northwest at 7 – 12 mph by mid-day. Relative humidity continues dropping to 11 – 16%.

Fuels and terrain: Middle Fork Fire is burning in heavy timber with a large percentage of standing and down dead trees over steep, rugged, high-elevation terrain.

Firefighting Resources: Approximately 95 personnel are assigned to the fire, including three helicopters (1-Type 1 and 2-Type 3).

Forest Closure: A Routt National Forest closure is in effect within the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area – closure area follows Wilderness boundary on east and west; on the south it follows the Wilderness boundary, Trail 1101 (CDNST) and Trail 1132 (Newcomb Creek); and on the north it follows Trail 1131 (Lost Ranger), CDNST south to Lost Ranger Peak, west to The Dome, and down the North Fork drainage. Trails 1131 and 1132 are open. No roads or trailheads are closed.

Closed trails include:

• Appx. 10 miles of CDNST from 1132 to 1131
• 1130 Rainbow Lake
• 1179 Roxy Ann Lake
• 1099 Ditch Creek
• 1100 and 1100.4A Mad Creek
• 1118 Elk Park
• 1168 Luna Lake
• 1168.1 Fish Hawk Lake
• 1170 Chilton
• 1182 Crags
• 1184 Big Creek Lake
  

Fire Restrictions: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect in Routt County, on the Routt National Forest, and across Northwest Colorado.

Middle Fork Fire Fact Sheet for 9/14/2020

Acres: 4,540      
Incident Commander: Brandon Voegtle

Fire Information phone line: 970-724-3027         
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7153/

Today’s Situation: Crews have completed structure assessments and are working on clearing trees that have fallen across roads and trails used by firefighters and the public around the fire area. Crews are also mitigating fuels around Rainbow Lake Campground and preparing helicopter landing zones in case they are needed. Firefighters are on the ground near the fire monitoring and reporting fire activity and taking on-site weather readings. An aerial mapping flight is scheduled to occur today, which will provide updated acreage. Visitors are asked to avoid the closed area within the Mount Zirkel Wilderness (see Forest Closure below).
 

Fire Behavior: Yesterday saw increased fire behavior with smoke production visible from many locations around the fire area. The fire is backing through heavy dead and down timber, with single tree torching and group tree torching. An old burn scar to the north and the Continental Divide to the east are natural barriers that limit the fire’s ability to spread in those directions. Prevailing winds are pushing the fire into those natural barriers. The fire is slowly backing to the west in isolated areas. As weather and fuels continue to dry out and heat up, increased intensity of fire behavior and smoke production is expected, especially during the mid- to late afternoon hours. The Incident Management Team expects the fire to burn until a persistent seasonal change of weather arrives.
 

Fuels and terrain: Middle Fork Fire is burning in heavy timber with a large percentage of standing and down dead trees over steep, rugged, high-elevation terrain.

Weather: Highs today are predicted to be in the 70s with southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph and relative humidity dropping to 12 – 17%.
 

Firefighting Resources: Approximately 95 personnel are assigned to the fire, including three helicopters (1- Type 1 and 2-Type 3).

Forest Closure: A Routt National Forest closure is in effect within the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area – closure area follows Wilderness boundary on east and west; on the south it follows the Wilderness boundary, Trail 1101 (CDNST) and Trail 1132 (Newcomb Creek); and on the north it follows Trail 1131 (Lost Ranger), CDNST south to Lost Ranger Peak, west to The Dome, and down the North Fork drainage. Trails 1131 and 1132 are open. No roads or trailheads are closed.

Closed trails include:

• Appx. 10 miles of CDNST from 1132 to 1131
• 1130 Rainbow Lake
• 1179 Roxy Ann Lake
• 1099 Ditch Creek
• 1100 and 1100.4A Mad Creek
• 1118 Elk Park
• 1168 Luna Lake
• 1168.1 Fish Hawk Lake
• 1170 Chilton
• 1182 Crags
• 1184 Big Creek Lake
  

Fire Restrictions: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect in Routt County, on the Routt National Forest, and across Northwest Colorado.

Middle Fork Fire Fact Sheet                                                                                                                                              9/13/2020       
Acres: 4,540                                                                                                                       Incident Commander: Brandon Voegtle
Fire Information phone line: 970-724-3027                                              Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7153/

Today's Situation: Fire behavior has been minimal since last Tuesday. With sunny skies and temperatures climbing, fuels are beginning to dry out from recent cold, wet conditions. An associated increase in active fire behavior is expected in the coming days. Visitors are reminded that an area closure exists in the south end of the Mount Zirkel Wilderness (see Forest Closure below). Please avoid entering the closed area.

Fuels and terrain: Middle Fork Fire is burning in heavy timber with a large percentage of standing and down dead trees over steep, rugged, high-elevation terrain.

Fire Activity: The fire has not progressed or shown evidence of growth since Labor Day, when it burned over trails to Luna Lake, Fish Hawk Lake, and the Crags, and to within 1 mile of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST). The Incident Management Team expects the fire to burn for some weeks until a persistent seasonal change of weather arrives.

Weather: A high pressure system has moved into the area, bringing clear, sunny skies, dry air, and warmer temperatures. These conditions are expected to remain in place for the week ahead. Highs today are predicted to be in the mid to upper 60s with light west winds of 5 to 10 mph and relative humidity dropping below 20%.

Fire Behavior: Fire behavior remains minimal. More active fire behavior is expected to resume within a few days since hotter, drier conditions have set in. Minimal smoke is observed from portions of the fire.

Firefighting Resources: Given the fire’s remote location, difficult terrain, hazardous conditions, and types of values at risk, in the context of a primary objective to protect public and firefighter safety, an indirect fire response strategy is being employed. Crews continue to identify and assess structures for mitigation and protection needs, while the team develops long-term plans and considers options and opportunities for containment. Crews are clearing down logs across roads and trails used to access the fire area and mitigating fuels around Rainbow Lake Campground. Approximately 95 personnel are assigned to the fire, including three helicopters (1-Type 1 and 2-Type 3).

Forest Closure: A Routt National Forest closure is in effect within the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area – closure area follows Wilderness boundary on east and west; on the south it follows the Wilderness boundary, Trail 1101 (CDNST) and Trail 1132 (Newcomb Creek); and on the north it follows Trail 1131 (Lost Ranger), CDNST south to Lost Ranger Peak, west to The Dome, and down the North Fork drainage. Trails 1131 and 1132 are open. No roads or trailheads are closed.

Closed trails include:

• Appx. 10 miles of CDNST from 1132 to 1131
• 1130 Rainbow Lake
• 1179 Roxy Ann Lake
• 1099 Ditch Creek
• 1100 and 1100.4A Mad Creek
• 1118 Elk Park
• 1168 Luna Lake
• 1168.1 Fish Hawk Lake
• 1170 Chilton
• 1182 Crags
• 1184 Big Creek Lake
  

Fire Restrictions: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect in Routt County, on the Routt National Forest, and across Northwest Colorado.

Middle Fork Fire Fact Sheet                                                                                                                                               9/12/2020       
Acres: 3,522                                                                                                                       Incident Commander: Brandon Voegtle
Fire Information phone line: 970-724-3027                                              Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7153/

Today's Situation: With clear skies this morning, a flyover with heat-sensing equipment is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. to obtain updated mapping and acreage data, which will hopefully be available by early afternoon. Minimal fire behavior is expected to continue today as recent moisture dissipates under sunny conditions. The Incident Management Team expects the fire to be active for some weeks until a persistent seasonal change of weather arrives.

Fuels and terrain: Middle Fork Fire is burning in heavy timber with a large percentage of standing and down beetle-killed trees over steep, rugged, high-elevation terrain.

Fire Activity: The fire has not progressed or shown evidence of growth since Labor Day, when it burned over trails to Luna Lake, Fish Hawk Lake, and Crags, and to within 1 mile of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST).

Weather: A high pressure system has moved into the area, bringing clear, sunny skies, dry air, and warmer temperatures. These conditions are expected to remain in place for the week ahead. Highs today are predicted to be in the upper 50s to lower 60s with light west winds of 6 to 10 mph. 

Fire Behavior: Fire behavior has recently been minimal since the onset of cooler, wetter weather. Active fire behavior is expected to resume within a few days after a return to hotter, drier conditions.

Firefighting Resources: Given the fire’s remote location, difficult terrain, hazardous conditions, and types of values at risk, in the context of a primary objective to protect public and firefighter safety, an indirect fire response strategy is being employed. Crews are focusing their efforts on identifying and assessing structures around the fire area to determine mitigation needs for protection if the fire should advance. Crews continue this work in Jackson county today, as well as mitigating fuels around Rainbow Lake Campground. The team is also developing long-term plans and identifying options and opportunities for containment. Approximately 93 personnel are assigned to the fire, including three helicopters (1-Type 1 and 2-Type 3).

Forest Closure: A Routt National Forest closure is in effect within the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area – closure area follows Wilderness boundary on east and west; on the south it follows the Wilderness boundary, Trail 1101 (CDNST) and Trail 1132 (Newcomb Creek); and on the north it follows Trail 1131 (Lost Ranger), CDNST south to Lost Ranger Peak, west to The Dome, and down the North Fork drainage. Trails 1131 and 1132 are open. No roads or trailheads are closed.

Closed trails include:

• Appx. 10 miles of CDNST from 1132 to 1131
• 1130 Rainbow Lake
• 1179 Roxy Ann Lake
• 1099 Ditch Creek
• 1100 and 1100.4A Mad Creek
• 1118 Elk Park
• 1168 Luna Lake
• 1168.1 Fish Hawk Lake
• 1170 Chilton
• 1182 Crags
• 1184 Big Creek Lake

Fire Restrictions: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect in Routt County, on the Routt National Forest, and across Northwest Colorado.

Order No. MBRTB-261-2020 Fire Closure FOREST ORDER

USDA FOREST SERVICE ROUTT NATIONAL FOREST

Hahns Peak/Bears Ears and Parks Ranger District FIRE CLOSURE

Middle Fork 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 Middle Fork Fire Area (the “Restricted Area”) and on all roads and trails within the Restricted Area (the “Restricted Roads and Trails”) all within the Hahn’s Peak/Bears Ears and Parks Ranger Districts, 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 Wilderness boundary on east: on the west it follows the Forest boundary, Trail 1166 (Roaring Fork), Wilderness boundary; on the south it follows Trail 1171 (Red Dirt), Trail 1140 (Saddle), Trail 1140.A (Saddle Cutoff), 1100 (Mad Creek), Wilderness boundary, Trail 1101 (CDNST) and Trail 1132 (Newcomb Creek); and on the north it follows Trail 1131 (Lost Ranger), CDNST south to Lost Ranger Peak, west to The Dome, and down the North Fork drainage. Closed trails include: Appx. 10 miles of CDNST from 1132 to 1131, 1130 Rainbow Lake, 1179 Roxy Ann Lake, 1099 Ditch Creek, 1100 and 1100.4A Mad Creek, 1118 Elk Park, 1168 Luna Lake, 1168.1 Fish Hawk Lake, 1170 Chilton, 1182 Crags, 1184 Big Creek Lake. Open trails include: Trails 1100 Mad Creek to Wilderness boundary, 1131 Lost Ranger, 1132 Newcomb Creek, 1140 Saddle, 1140.A Saddle Cutoff, 1166 Roaring Fork to the Wilderness boundary, 1171 Red Dirt from Red Dirt Trailhead to 1140 Saddle intersection.

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 until this Closure Order is rescinded. 36 C.F.R. §§ 261.52(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, 2020, or until is rescinded, whichever event occurs first.

Done at Laramie, Wyoming, this 17th day of September, 2020.

RUSSELL BACON

Digitally signed by RUSSELL BACON

Date: 2020.09.17 18:32:02 -06'00'

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.

Middle Fork Fire Fact Sheet for 9/11/2020
Fire Information phone line: 970-724-3027, Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7153/

Situation: Reported on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020, the 3,522-acre Middle Fork Fire is burning in Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area, Routt National Forest, appx. 10 miles north of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. A Type 3 Incident Management Team led by Incident Commander Brandon Voegtle assumed command of the fire on 9/9/2020. The fire will likely need to be managed for some weeks until a persistent seasonal change of weather arrives. Cloudy skies have stymied efforts to obtain aerial heat-sensing imagery for updated mapping and acreage over the past several days.

Fuels and terrain: Middle Fork Fire is burning in heavy timber with a large percentage of standing and down beetle-killed trees over steep, rugged, high-elevation terrain. Fuels have been critically dry and highly receptive to fire for a prolonged period this summer due to persistent drought conditions.

Fire Activity: Hot, dry, windy weather on 9/6 and especially 9/7 encouraged rapid fire spread to the east and north. It has burned over trails to Luna Lake, Fish Hawk Lake, and Crags, and to within 1 mile of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST).

Weather: A cold front moved into the region on 9/8, bringing precipitation, increased humidity, cloudy skies, and cold temperatures for several days. Continued cool, cloudy conditions are expected with scattered rain or snow showers through this afternoon, with drier air moving in this evening. Saturday is expected to kick off a period of sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s.

Fire Behavior: Fire behavior has recently been minimal since the onset of cooler, wetter weather. Active fire behavior is expected to resume within a few days after a return to hotter, drier conditions.

Firefighting Resources: Given the fire’s remote location, difficult terrain, hazardous conditions, and types of values at risk, in the context of a primary objective to protect public and firefighter safety, an indirect fire response strategy is being employed. Crews are focusing their efforts on identifying and assessing structures around the fire area to determine mitigation needs, such as removal of vegetation, and placement of water tanks, pumps, hose, and sprinklers to prepare these values at risk if the fire should advance. This work began in Routt County; crews will shift to Jackson county today. The team is also developing long-term plans and identifying options and opportunities for containment. Approximately 65 personnel are assigned to the fire, including three helicopters (Types 1, 2, and 3). Cooperating agencies include Routt County, Jackson County, Colorado State Division of Fire Prevention and Control, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management.

Forest Closure: A Routt National Forest closure is in effect within the Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area – closure area follows Wilderness boundary on east and west; on the south it follows the Wilderness boundary, Trail 1101 (CDNST) and Trail 1132 (Newcomb Creek); and on the north it follows Trail 1131 (Lost Ranger), CDNST south to Lost Ranger Peak, west to The Dome, and down the North Fork drainage. Trails 1131 and 1132 are open. No roads or trailheads are closed.

Closed trails include:

• Appx. 10 miles of CDNST from 1132 to 1131
• 1130 Rainbow Lake
• 1179 Roxy Ann Lake
• 1099 Ditch Creek
• 1100 and 1100.4A Mad Creek
• 1118 Elk Park
• 1168 Luna Lake
• 1168.1 Fish Hawk Lake
• 1170 Chilton
• 1182 Crags
• 1184 Big Creek Lake

Fire Restrictions: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect in Routt County, on the Routt National Forest, and across Northwest Colorado.