MEREDITH, Colo., October 4, 2019 – Fire crews continue to scout for spots outside of the fire perimeter. Work to create defensible space around structures on the Fryingpan Ranch is completed. Defensible space around the Nast Colony is expected to be accomplished by tomorrow.

The Granite Lake Fire is burning in a remote area of the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness approximately 13 miles southeast of Meredith, Colorado. It was caused by lightning and was first detected on September 21.

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Fire Update: The Granite Lake Fire has seen no significant growth since last Sunday and is now at 713 acres. Yesterday saw overall moderate fire activity with isolated torching within the fire perimeter.

Closure: Effective at noon, October 1, 2019, the White River National Forest has issued a temporary Emergency Area Closure to provide for public safety in the vicinity of the Granite Lake Fire. Forest Road #504 is closed at the junction of 504/504.1E to the end, and Trail #1940 is closed from the South Fork Trailhead to the top of South Fork Pass.

This closure will remain in effect until it is rescinded.

Weather: Dry conditions are expected today along with lower temperatures and high relative humidity as compared to the last couple of days. Winds will increase throughout the day with gusts picking up late this afternoon.

Smoke: Smoke from wildfires may affect your health. For statewide information on smoke and air quality from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, please visit: https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colo_smoke.aspx.

MEREDITH, Colo., October 1, 2019 – Effective at noon, October 1, 2019, the White River National Forest has issued a temporary Emergency Area Closure to provide for public safety in the vicinity of the Granite Lake Fire. Forest Road #504 is closed at the junction of 504/504.1E to the end, and Trail #1940 is closed from the South Fork Trailhead to the top of South Fork Pass.

This closure will remain in effect until it is rescinded.

Yesterday’s gusty winds and warm temperatures increased the size of the Granite Lake Fire in a remote area of the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness to 695 acres. Fire growth was predominately to the north, driven by wind gusts. It is actively burning in heavy patches of downed timber and woody debris created by avalanche paths.

Because of increased fire activity, the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District will issue an emergency area closure for public safety of National Forest System Road 504 into the South Fork of the Fryingpan and the South Fork Pass Trail 1940 beginning Oct. 1, 2019.

The fire is now being managed by a Type 3 incident commander. Firefighters continue to monitor the fire from the air and on the ground. Two engines are patrolling the Fryingpan Valley area.

Although the fire is not threatening any structures at this time, it is burning in the direction of water diversion infrastructure. Measures are being taken to prevent impacts to the infrastructure; these may include implementing a sprinkler system or removing and clearing vegetation in the area. The diversion infrastructure is not located in the Wilderness, but is surrounded by wilderness on three sides.

Fire managers have closely evaluated terrain, anticipated weather patterns and the fire’s location. They will implement a ‘confine and contain’ strategy using point protection to manage the Granite Lake Fire to minimize risk to the firefighters and public.

Difficult risk management decisions are made by fire managers on every wildfire. Steep, rocky terrain raises concerns about firefighter exposure in a backcountry firefighting environment. Additional considerations include the fire’s lack of proximity to values at risk, the remote Wilderness location of the fire, and shorter days with cooler fall temperatures that will moderate fire behavior in coming weeks.

Based on these factors, managers formulated their objectives to protect firefighter and public safety. They will use natural barriers such as cliff bands to check the fire while managing to maintain wilderness integrity.

The Granite Lake fire will likely burn and smolder until a season-ending event occurs. Firefighters will remain assigned to the fire, patrolling the fire area from the ground and air. Variances in weather, topography and available fuels will affect the fire’s behavior; at times it may become more active and produce increased smoke. Inciweb and the White River National Forest Facebook page will continue to be updated as fire activity merits.

Smoke may be visible in the coming weeks from Summit County, the Homestake Valley in Eagle County, Leadville in Lake County, and parts of the upper Fryingpan and Roaring Fork Valleys in Pitkin County.

The Granite Lake Fire was detected on September 21 in the Hunter Fryingpan Wilderness, approximately 13 miles southeast of Meredith, Colorado. It has been relatively inactive until recent dry, windy weather increased fire activity. Smoke from the fire may be visible from surrounding communities.

The fire resulted from a natural ignition on a steep slope at approximately 11,000 feet in elevation. Wind has pushed the fire across patches of high alpine vegetation and avalanche paths. An infrared flight Saturday evening estimated the fire at 113 acres.

The Granite Lake Fire is in the South Fork drainage of the Fryingpan River above South Fork Pass trail (1940), 2 miles past the end of Forest Road 504. It is near the center of the Hunter Fryingpan Wilderness and is not presently threatening any structures of infrastructure.

Fire managers are using aviation resources to monitor and manage the fire.

Carson City, NV., Sept 27, 2019 – The Evans Creek Fire, located on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest’s Carson Ranger District in the Evans Canyon area is 25 acres and now 75% contained. The fire started early Thursday morning, approximately two miles from the Ballardini Ranch Trailhead southwest of Reno, Nevada. The fire is human caused and currently under investigation by law enforcement.

Firefighters engaged in initial attack early yesterday morning and continued to work with air resources to build containment lines throughout the day. The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest worked closely with cooperators and would like to thank Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, Storey County Fire Protection District, Nevada Division of Forestry, Bureau of Land Management, Reno Police Department and the Washoe County Sherriff’s Office for their assistance in suppressing the fire.

Resources remained on scene overnight and saw no fire growth and very minimal activity. Two engines and two handcrews continue work today and hope to have the fire fully contained by this afternoon. Fire managers are aware of a strong low-pressure system and cold front approaching the region, so they are expecting an increase in winds this afternoon, but don’t anticipate any containment issues. This is the final update for the Evans Creek Fire.

Carson City, NV., Sept 26, 2019 – The 25-acre Evans Creek Fire started today around 2 a.m. and is located southwest of Reno, Nevada, on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest’s Carson Ranger District in Evans Canyon area approximately two miles from the Ballardini Ranch Trailhead. The fire was human-caused and under investigation by law enforcement.

The Evans Creek Fire is burning in grass, brush, and timber and is 25 percent contained. Since there is no road access, fire crews have hiked into the fire and are working closely with aviation resources. Resources on the scene include two handcrews, seven engines, one water tender, one helicopter, and various overhead. The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is the lead on this incident.

“We really want to thank all the cooperators who are assisting with suppression efforts,” said Paul Washam, Incident Commander. “They include Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, Story County Fire Protection District, Nevada Division of Forestry, Bureau of Land Management, Washoe County Sherriff’s Office, and Reno Police Department.”
Fire officials ask the public to refrain from using the Ballardini Ranch Trailhead, which is being used as the fire staging area for personnel and equipment.

Willard Pit burn today on the Flagstaff Ranger District. Expect smoke to be seen from Interstate 17; miles northwest of Munds Park, I-17 & Willard exit, Coconino County Willard Transfer Station
GPS: 34.972515, -111.690913  
Expect to see smoke for several weeks.

WinWindmill Piles

• When: Monday (Dec. 16 to 20).

• Where: Mogollon Rim Ranger District. Approximately 6 miles northeast of Clints Well at the FR 211 and FR 211E junction. GPS: 34.6327, -111.3057

• Size: up to 50 acres each day of burning.

• Duration: All week if within prescribed conditions.

• Method/type of burn: These are slash piles to burn using drip torches for ignition.

• Smoke Impacts: Smoke will be visible from FR 211 and Lake Mary Road moving to the northeast, could be some impacts to Lake Mary Road and Clear Creek Pines Units 1&2 later in week.

   

  Allen Lake Piles

• When: Monday (Dec. 16).

• Where: Mogollon Rim Ranger District.  Eight miles south of Mormon Lake, along the west side of Lake Mary Road. GPS: 34.826, -111.437

• Size: 5 acres of hand piles.

• Duration: This will be a one-day operation.

• Method/type of burn: These are slash piles to burn using drip torches for ignition.

• Smoke Impacts: Smoke will be visible from Lake Mary Road and may impact travel, along with putting smoke on the Arizona National Scenic Trail.

• Closures/restrictions: None.

   

  Buck Mountain Piles

• When: Tuesday (Dec. 17).

  Where: Mogollon Rim Ranger District. Five miles south of Happy Jack, around Buck Mountain Lookout.  GPS: 34.666, -111.415

• Size: 25 acres of hand piles.

• Duration: This will be a one-day operation.

• Method/type of burn: These are slash piles to burn using drip torches for ignition.

• Smoke Impacts: Smoke will be visible from Lake Mary Road, no impacts are expected to populated areas or local highways.

• Closures/restrictions: None.

   

  Bly Pit

• When: Wednesday (Dec. 18)

• Where: Mogollon Rim Ranger District, state Route 87’s mile post 307, 7 miles north of Mogollon Rim Ranger Station. GPS: 34.667250, -111.110082

• Size: 2 acres of community green waste.

• Duration: 1 day of burning, followed by a few weeks of monitoring.

• Method/Type of burn: Hand ignition of machine piled slash.

• Smoke Impacts:  Generally moving to the NE, impacts to SR 87 and Mogollon Ranches subdivision.

• Closures/restrictions: None. 

Coconino National Forest firefighters plan to conduct prescribed burns next week in several areas that have been previously postponed due to earlier conditions that would have heavily impacted communities with smoke.

These burns are among the prescribed burn projects planned for the Flagstaff Ranger District and the Mogollon Rim Ranger District this fall and are part of a strategy to allow fire treatment across the landscape in order to restore forests to healthier conditions, protect watersheds and improve the safety of the communities around them.

Frequent, low-intensity fire removes accumulated fuels and recycles nutrients in the soils to promote healthy vegetation and wildlife habitat. A healthier forest is a safer forest for firefighters and residents when wildfires inevitably occur.

The prescribed burn projects listed below are in chronological order and may occur on days other than noted, depending on favorable weather conditions. Firing ignitions for each of these projects begin around 10 a.m. on the mornings indicated.

Mint 5

• When: Monday (Nov. 18), depending on weather conditions and smoke impacts.

• Where: Flagstaff Ranger District. Approximately 31 miles south of Flagstaff, immediately south of Mormon Lake Village. GPS: 34.848744, -111.452362

• Size: 322 Acres
  Duration: This will be a one-day operation.

• Method/Type of burn: This is a broadcast maintenance burn using drip torches. The burn operation will reduce the chance of catastrophic wildfire, improve forest health and protect private property.

• Smoke Impacts: Smoke is forecast is to move toward the west and southwest. Cooling temperatures in the evenings will cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn, potentially effecting Bear Park, Mormon Lake Village and other communities near the Lake Mary Road corridor.

• Closures/Restrictions: None expected. 

   

  Victorine

• When: Monday, and possibly Tuesday (Nov. 18, 19).

• Where: Mogollon Rim Ranger District. Approximately 6.5 miles southeast of the Mogollon Rim Ranger District office, west of Leonard Canyon and east of Forest Road 137. GPS: 34.540829, -111.104980

• Size: 1,000 acres.

• Duration: This will be a one- or two-day burn operation.

• Type of Burn: This is a broadcast maintenance burn using drip torches. This burn operation will reduce the chance of catastrophic wildfire, protect private property, benefit wildlife habitat and improve forest health.

• Smoke Impacts: Daytime winds are forecast from the northeast. Smoke should lift and disperse toward the southwest of the project area over the Verde Valley during the day. Overnight smoke could settle in the local burn area, Blue Ridge communities, and will probably drain down East Clear Creek. Smoke may end up in the eastern side of the Verde Valley until daytime temperatures rise enough to lift the smoke into the transport winds.

• Closures/Restrictions: None expected.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., Nov. 8, 2019 — Coconino National Forest firefighters plan to conduct prescribed burns next week in areas that will lessen smoke impacts to surrounding communities.

These burns are among the prescribed burn projects planned for the Flagstaff Ranger District and the Mogollon Rim Ranger District this fall and are part of a strategy to allow fire across the landscape in order to restore forests to healthier conditions, protect watersheds and improve the safety of the communities around them.

Frequent, low-intensity fire removes accumulated smaller fuels and recycles nutrients in the soils to promote healthy vegetation and wildlife habitat. A healthier forest is a safer forest for firefighters and residents when wildfires inevitably occur.

The prescribed burn projects listed below are in chronological order and may occur on days other than noted, depending on favorable weather conditions. Firing ignitions for each of these projects begin at approximately 10 a.m. on the mornings indicated.

Victorine

• When: Tuesday-Thursday (Nov. 12-14).

• Where: Approximately 6.5 miles southeast of the Mogollon Rim Ranger District office, west of Leonard Canyon. GPS: 34.540829, -111.104980

• Size: 2,900 acres total. Daily acreage varies upon the conditions. Day 1 is planned for 600 acres.

• Duration: This is a four-day burn operation.

• Type of Burn: This is a broadcast maintenance burn using drip torches. This burn operation will reduce the chance of catastrophic wildfire, protect private property, benefit wildlife habitat and improve forest health.

• Smoke Impacts: Daytime winds are forecast from the southwest. Smoke should lift and disperse toward the northeast of the project area during the day. Overnight smoke could settle in the local burn area, Blue Ridge communities, and will probably drain down East Clear Creek. Smoke may end up in the eastern side of the Verde Valley until daytime temperatures rise enough to lift the smoke into the transport winds.

• Closures/Restrictions: None expected.

• Additional Information: Each day the burn block will be ignited independently after the project's burn prescription and smoke impacts are evaluated.

   

  Maxwell Springs 1 & 2

• When: Wednesday (Nov. 13).

• Where: Five miles northwest of Flagstaff.

  GPS: 35.250812, -111.824213 & 35.263236, -111.806195

• Size: 833 acres total in two burn blocks.

• Duration: One-day operation.

• Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast maintenance burn conducted by drip torch. These burns are located south of Wing Mountain and north of Bellemont.

• Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the northeast. Cooling temperatures in the evenings will cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn, Interstate 40 and the west side of Flagstaff. This will likely impact Fort Valley, Snowbowl Ski Resort area and possibly U.S. Highway 180.

• Closures/Restrictions: None expected.