The Williams Fork Fire increased in size by only a few hundred acres yesterday as it spotted over Darling Creek to the south by approximately a half-mile. The fire also continued to burn within its perimeter. A small smoke column could be seen over the fire as weather conditions allowed firefighters to make progress in containing the fire. Overall, the fire is 3% contained with this containment taking place in the northwest area of the fire along County Road 30. The Great Basin Type 1 Incident Management Team 2 assumed command of the fire on Tuesday at 8 p.m.

Today’s firefighting efforts remain focused on protecting infrastructure and high resource values in the area, while remaining aware of potentially hazardous weather and fuels conditions as highlighted by the Red Flag Warning that was issued for today. Fire managers are developing contingency plans with the overall goal of preventing the fire from reaching private lands.

The Williams Fork Fire Pre-Plan Map for pre-planning and preparation purposes is available for public use.  There are no standing evacuation orders for residential areas, including the Fraser Valley. For the most current Grand County information and to sign up for CodeRED Emergency Notifications please go to www.gcemergency.com. It is also recommended that all residents and visitors in Grand County download the CodeRED mobile application for cellular devices to receive emergency notifications.

The U.S. Forest Service has a large closure area in effect west of Winter Park and Fraser that includes roads, trails and campgrounds. Please visit www.fs.udsa.gov/arp for details.

Please know that our emergency responders and evacuees are well equipped and supplied with food, water, and other supplies.  Understand that we are unable to accept donations and instead we suggest donations to your local non-profits and fire departments.  

Evacuations: None.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: Temporary flight restrictions (TFR) are in effect around the entire fire area. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (drones).  If you fly, we can’t!   

For official fire information, maps and photos, please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6971/

Red Flag Warning for Thunderstorms, Gusty Winds, High Temperatures and Dry Fuel Conditions

The Williams Fork Fire increased in size by only a few hundred acres yesterday as it spotted over Darling Creek to the south by approximately a half-mile. The fire also continued to burn within its perimeter. A small smoke column could be seen over the fire as weather conditions allowed firefighters to make progress in containing the fire. Overall, the fire is 3% contained with this containment taking place in the northwest area of the fire along County Road 30. The Great Basin Type 1 Incident Management Team 2 assumed command of the fire on Tuesday at 8 p.m.

Today’s firefighting efforts remain focused on protecting infrastructure and high resource values in the area, while remaining aware of potentially hazardous weather and fuels conditions as highlighted by the Red Flag Warning. Fire managers are developing contingency plans with an overall goal of preventing the fire from reaching private lands. 

The Williams Fork Fire Pre-Plan Map for pre-planning and preparation purposes is available for public use.  There are no standing evacuation orders for residential areas, including the Fraser Valley. For the most current information and to sign up for CodeRED Emergency Notifications please go to www.gcemergency.com. It is also recommended that all residents and visitors in Grand County download the CodeRed mobile application for cellular devices. Currently there are no evacuation orders for the Fraser Valley.

The U.S. Forest Service has a large closure area in effect west of Winter Park and Fraser that includes roads, trails and campgrounds. Please visit www.fs.udsa.gov/arp for details.

Please know that our emergency responders and evacuees are well equipped and supplied with food, water, and other supplies.  Please understand that we are unable to accept donations and instead suggest donations to the American Red Cross and our local shelters would be most appreciated.  

Evacuations: None.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: Temporary flight restrictions (TFR) are in effect around the entire fire area. Remember, that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (drones). If you fly, we can’t!   

For further information, please visit the following links:    

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov  

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Dave Gesser’s Southwest Area Incident Management Team #3 assumed command of the Williams Fork Fire this morning, Aug. 17.  Operational components of the team arrived Sunday and immediately engaged to familiarize with the terrain, values at risk, and partners in the effort.

The fire was active Sunday, moving in an easterly direction toward Lake Evelyn in the Byers Creek Wilderness. The fire was estimated to be 6,345 acres in size by the end of the day Sunday. Fire behavior calmed somewhat Sunday afternoon with a shift in wind direction pushing from the north. Retardant lines applied by air resources were also effective in helping slow the fire’s spread.

Today’s focus is on protecting infrastructure and high resource values in the area. Fire managers have established a goal of keeping the fire east of County Road 30, south of Keyser Creek Road (Forest Service Road 139), north of Darling Creek and west of County Road 50. Hot and dry conditions are expected to continue through tomorrow.

The Grand County Sheriff’s Office is creating an interactive evacuation map that will be launched today, helping inform residents of pre-determined evacuation sites, should they be needed. This map will be located on the http://www.gcemergency.com website. Currently there are no evacuation orders for the Fraser Valley.

The team appreciates the generosity of the community and understand that people want to help with the Williams Fork Fire. Please know that our emergency responders and evacuees are well equipped and supplied with food, water and supplies.  Please understand that we are unable to accept donations and instead suggest donations to the American Red Cross and our local shelters would be most appreciated.  

Evacuations: None.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: Temporary flight restrictions (TFR) are in effect around the entire fire area. Remember, that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (drones). If you fly, we can’t!   

Tucson, AZ – Saguaro National Park announces the reopening of Spud Rock and Manning Camp Campgrounds and all trails closed due to the Mica Bowl and Spud Rock Fires burning on Mica Mountain in the east district of the park.

The Mica Bowl Fire has been burning within natural features with minimal fire activity, no observable smoke, and no growth since August 29.

The Spud Rock Fire is 100% contained as of Friday, September 11.  It remains 760 acres in size and firefighters have been working to repair the trail system used as holding line, as well as rehabilitating sensitive habitat and other resource values at risk from the fire.    

Camping permits for all six wilderness campgrounds, including the Manning Camp and Spud Rock Campgrounds, in Saguaro National Park can be only be obtained from Recreation.gov website. 

Hikers should use extra caution and stay on the trail when hiking through burned areas.  There may still be some fire burning, including within stump holes causing weak and unstable ground which may be difficult to identify.  Trails may be slick with fallen pine needles or ash and some fire weakened trees may still fall.  Watch for flash flooding, rolling debris and erosion during rain events.  It is also possible that smoke may settle into low areas overnight, including within campgrounds.

A history of fire in the area has created a mosaic of previously burned areas, reducing the fuels and helping to moderate fire behavior in this important sky island habitat.  The area received just under 3.0” of rain during a recent storm which further reduced active fire behavior.

For more information about wilderness camping and hiking Saguaro National Park, please visit the park webpage, www.nps.gov/sagu.  For more information about the Spud Rock Fire, including maps of the burned area and photos of the fire, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6969/

Smoke may remain visible from Tucson, Redington Pass, Vail, Mescal, and the surrounding area. 

For updated information please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ or call the park’s Fire Information Hotline at (520) 733-5150.

www.nps.gov

Tucson, AZ – Due to the Mica Bowl and Spud Rock fires burning in the Rincon Mountains. Saguaro National Park has closed Manning Camp Campground in addition to the previously closed Spud Rock Campground as well as all trails on Mica Mountain east of the Arizona Trail to provide for public safety. The Arizona

Trail remains open, however segments may be subject to short notice closure or hiker escort through the area, dependent upon fire activity.

Closed Wilderness Campgrounds include:
Manning Camp Campground and Spud Rock Campground

Closed trails include:
Heartbreak Ridge, Turkey Creek, Deerhead Spring, East Slope, Devil’s Bathtub, Mica Meadow, Bonita, and Fire Loop

Rain and humidity continue to help to moderate fire activity on the lightning ignited Spud Rock and Mica Bowl Fires. The Rincon Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS), located near Manning Camp, received approximately 0.30” inches of rain in on Thursday, August 20.

The Mica Bowl fire is estimated at 26 acres with minimal fire activity and limited growth. This fire continues to be held in a drainage to the east and a rocky outcropping to the west. Taking advantage of these natural holding features is generally the most effective, safest, cost efficient tactic. It also minimizes impacts in the Saguaro Wilderness. Firefighters continue to monitor the fire and will take action as needed.

The Spud Rock fire is estimated at 360 acres with low to moderate fire activity and slow creeping growth in all directions. Fire managers plan to reinforce the existing trail system to limit the fire’s spread. Firefighters are working to keep fire east of the Arizona Trail, south of the Mica Meadow Trail, north of the Devil’s Bathtub Trails, and west of the newly constructed fire line from the base of Reef Rock to Spud Rock Campground. Existing trails are being reinforced by scraping down to bare mineral soil and, where appropriate, using drip torches to strengthen their ability to reduce the fire’s spread.

Challenges include extreme heat and logistical complexities associated with supporting firefighters with food, water, supplies, and medical response while working in remote areas. Firefighters have used both pack mule strings as well has helicopters to shuttle staff and supplies to the Manning Camp.

Continued humidity and increasing chances of rain are expected to continue through the weekend.

Smoke remains visible from Tucson, Redington Pass, Vail, Mescal, and the surrounding area.

For updated information please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ or call the park’s Fire Information Hotline at (520) 733-5150.

Tucson, AZ – Due to the Mica Bowl and Spud Rock fires burning in the Rincon Mountains. Saguaro National Park has closed Spud Rock Wilderness Campground and all trails on Mica Mountain east of the Arizona Trail to provide for public safety.  The Arizona Trail remains open, however segments may be subject to short notice closure dependent upon fire activity.  (Backcountry Closure Map)

Closed trails include: 

• Heartbreak Ridge

• Turkey Creek

• Deerhead Spring

• East Slope

• Devil’s Bathtub

• Mica Meadow

• Bonita

• Fire Loop

Rain and humidity are helping to moderate fire activity on the lightning ignited Spud Rock and Mica Bowl Fires. The Rincon Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS), located near Manning Camp, received Approximately 0.35 inches of rain in yesterday’s rainstorm. 

Firefighters continue to monitor and assess the Spud Rock and Mica Bowl Fires. The fires are burning in remote areas, in high elevation areas within the Saguaro Wilderness.

There are no immediate values at risk at this time. The Mica Bowl Fire is estimated at 2 acres with low fire activity.  The Spud Rock Fire is estimated to be approximately 50 acres and 0.8 mile southeast of Manning Camp, a backcountry cabin located in Saguaro National Park.

Extreme temperatures have made it hazardous for firefighters to hike 8+ miles, with a 5,500+ feet gain in elevation, while carrying 45+ pounds of fire gear and extra water.  The park used a helicopter to fly fire personnel to Manning Camp today to continue to assess current fire activity and values at risk. 

Fire managers will take action to protect value at risk, including Manning Camp, as needed, where they can do so safely and effectively. Challenges include extreme heat and logistical complexities associated with supporting firefighters with food, water, supplies, and medical response while working in remote areas.

Continued humidity and increasing chances of rain are expected to continue through the weekend. Fire managers will explore a range of options, including using existing trails and natural features like rocky outcroppings to help limit the fire’s spread. Pack mules and helicopters may be used to support firefighters as needed.

Smoke remains visible from Tucson, Redington Pass, Vail, Mescal, and the surrounding area. 

For updated information please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov / or call the park’s Fire Information Hotline at (520) 733-5150.

Tucson, AZ – Saguaro National Park is responding to two lightning fires reported following a thunderstorm that passed through the Rincon Mountains on August 13. The fires are burning in remote areas, in high elevation areas within the Saguaro Wilderness. Smoke may be visible from Tucson, Vail, Mescal, and the surrounding area. 

The Spud Rock Fire was reported on August 13 at approximately 4:30 p.m. It is estimated to be approximately 10 acres,. It is estimated to be located within a network of trails in the Manning Camp area, approximately .2 miles west of the junction of the Heatbreak Ridge Trail and the Switchback Trail that leads to the Spud Rock Campground.

The Mica Bowl Fire was reported on August 14 at approximately 9 a.m. It is estimated to be approximately 2 acres. The preliminary location is estimated to be just west of the Italian Springs Trail near the park boundary with the Coronado National Forest.

Firefighters are currently monitoring and assessing the fires. Fire behavior is currently low, following yesterday’s rainstorm. The Rincon Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS), located near Manning Camp, received 1.1 inches of rain.

Air attack flew over the fires to conduct an initial size-up report this morning and again this afternoon. Firefighters will be hiking in to the remote backcountry area to assess the fires tomorrow so that fire managers can take action as needed.

There are no immediate threats to structures at this time. The Mica Bowl Fire is estimated to be approximately 0.8 mile southeast of Manning Camp, a backcountry cabin located in Saguaro National Park.

There are no trail closures at this time. Backcountry hikers and campers should be aware of their surroundings and are encouraged to check with the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center for current conditions and updates on potential trail closures.

For updated information please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ or call the park’s Fire Information Hotline at (520) 733-5150.


 
 

Regen Hill Fire: 25 acres, 100% contained
Location: Approximately 6 miles east of the City of Bastrop

Texas A&M Forest Service crews completed mop up operations today. Locals will return to the scene over the coming days to confirm the fire is out.    

Fire Weather: Hot and dry conditions continue today. South to southwest winds this morning will become south to southeast late this afternoon and evening, with occasional gusts around 15 mpg. Minimum RH values around 25% are expected today with RH recovery to above 0% Sunday morning. Dry and hot conditions will occur during the day on Sunday. There is a lot chance for isolated showers or storms Sunday night and widely scattered showers and storms on Monday. 

Regen Hill Fire: 25 acres, 95% contained
Location: Approximately 6 miles east of the City of Bastrop

Local fire department resources patrolled the fire through last night. Texas A&M Forest Service crews returned this morning with a Type 6 and Type 7 Engine and are actively engaged in mop up operations, working hotspots and mitigating areas of concern across the fire area.   

Fire Weather: Hot and dry conditions continue today. South to southwest winds this morning will become south to southeast late this afternoon and evening, with occasional gusts around 15 mpg. Minimum RH values around 25% are expected today with RH recovery to above 0% Sunday morning. Dry and hot conditions will occur during the day on Sunday. There is a lot chance for isolated showers or storms Sunday night and widely scattered showers and storms on Monday. 

Regen Hill Fire: 25 acres, 50% contained
Location: Approximately 6 miles east of the City of Bastrop

Resources have halted forward progression of the fire and completed a bulldozer containment line. Local engines were engaged in structure protection as the fire front threatened multiple homes. Evacuations were in place for homes from the 600-800 block of Cottletown Road and west to Alum Creek Road. All evacuations have been lifted and residents can return to their homes. Aviation resources made several drops of water and have been released from the fire. 

Resources continue to improve and strengthen containment lines. They are actively engaged in mop up operations, working hotspots and mitigating area of concern across the fire area.   

Fire Weather:  Sunny skies will prevail across the Bastrop area through last this afternoon. High temperatures are expected to reach 102 to 105 degrees. Minimum relative humidity values will range from the mid-20s to near 30 percent from mid to late afternoon. A southwest to south wind flow will prevail through the afternoon while averaging 5 to 10 mpg. No precipitation is expected through the period with hot and dry conditions continuing through Saturday.