Pile burning will continue across several districts today on the Lolo National Forest. Pile burning helps reduce the amount of fuels that are available to burn, lowering a wildfire’s intensity and reducing risks to firefighters and communities. 

Missoula Ranger District: Firefighters will be burning 30 acres of piles by hand approximately 2 miles up the Marshall Canyon adjacent to the 20-acre unit on the west side of the upper Marshall Creek drainage. Smoke may be visible from I-90 along East Missoula and Bonner.

Ninemile Ranger District:  The Ninemile District plans to pile burn, 5 miles northwest of the District Office, between Kennedy Creek and Butler Creek. Smoke may be visible from Alberton and  Interstate 90.

Superior Ranger District: Firefighters will initiate up to 7 acres of pile burning operations on two different units located 12 miles southwest of Superior and 3 miles northeast of Superior.  Smoke may be visible from Superior and I-90.   

Current Burn Map

Update: November 3, 2023

Type 3 Team, Incident Commander Scott Bovey, 114 Personnel

Trail Springs Fire | Size: 1251 Acres | Containment: 37% | Cause: Lightning

There was little to no growth of the fire yesterday. Fuels within the existing perimeter continue to smolder. Some active burning was observed on the northeast side but firefighters have determined that it does not pose a threat to the fireline. Crews continue to reduce fuels along the west side of Corral Mountain Road to reinforce the road as indirect fireline. Others work their way up East Monument Road chipping the piles of brush and branches left behind from earlier fuel reduction efforts. This work will continue for several more days. Suppression repair is also underway in select areas where firelines are no longer needed. Handlines are created by using tools to scratch away the earth’s surface down to bare mineral soil. To repair them, crews replace the top soil, duff, and woody debris that was removed to make it look natural again. Where the terrain is steep, they incorporate water bars to divert water runoff into intact soil layers, so it doesn’t rush down the handline and cause erosion.

The fire danger level is currently high, so it is important that forest users completely drown campfires to prevent unintended escape. Use the “drown, stir, feel” method to be sure it's dead out.

Mill Creek 2 Fire |Size: 122 Acres | Containment: 0% | Cause: Under Investigation

This fire is located in rugged, remote terrain near the border of the South San Juan Wilderness Area. On their last recon flight, firefighters spotted only a few isolated locations still smoldering. Firefighters are actively observing this fire from strategic locations on the ground and from the air, and will continue to do so until heat is no longer detected.

Weather: Expect generally light west to southwesterly breezes each afternoon and north to northeasterly drainage winds overnight. Skies will be mostly clear with dry weather. These conditions continue with little change in the forecast for at least the next five days.

San Juan NF Temporary Closures: An area closure is in place involving roads and trails in or near the Trail Springs Fire area (Middle Mountain area), including Forest Road 630, East Monument Road, at its intersection with Turkey Springs Road. Details of the closure are on the Trail Springs Fire InciWeb page (link and QR code below) and on the “Alerts and Notices” page of the forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sanjuan/alerts-notices 

A Temporary Flight Restriction is in effect: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_3_8962.html#areas

Fire Information: 970-426-5370 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sanjuannationalforest

Nov. 2, 2023—After consulting with meteorologists, fire managers are tentatively planning to implement a prescribed fire north of El Rito, N.M., as early as Tuesday, Nov. 7. Called the Alamosa Unit 1 Prescribed Fire, crews will treat up to 4,500 acres bound by Forest Roads 44, 44K and 725 and just west of the village of Vallecitos. 

Ignitions will produce smoke but much less is expected than when fire crews treated the same unit with prescribed fire in 2014. At that time, crews implemented an initial entry prescribed fire, which means fire had not been through the area in a very long time, resulting in denser fuels and thicker smoke. Nine years later, this will be a maintenance prescribed fire, in which fewer fuels will be burned. 

“Promoting healthier forests and reducing the risks of wildfire is the ultimate goal of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy,” said District Ranger Angie Krall. “Just like we saw with the Midnight Fire, if a future wildfire reaches an area with recent fire history, it’s behavior will likely be modified to a less intense, more manageable surface fire making it safer for firefighters to engage.” 

Midnight Fire 

Firefighters on the 2022 Midnight Fire saw its behavior change from severe to light in a manner of minutes when it entered an area that was previously thinned, pile burned and burned during a lightning-caused wildfire that crews managed so it could play its natural role in the ecosystem. 

“It went from 100- to 300-foot flames to 2- to 3-foot flames in a matter of minutes just because of the fuel treatments there,” said firefighter Chris Farrar in a short documentary about the Midnight Fire. 

The Midnight Fire burn area is just east of Alamosa Unit 1. 

Sustainable Rangelands 

In addition to preserving general forest health and a reduced wildfire risk, the Alamosa Unit 1 Prescribed Fire will also serve to maintain sustainable rangelands. The unit is part of the larger Jarita Mesa and Alamosa Grazing Allotments Project, which allows livestock grazing in a manner that balances it with Carson National Forest’s goals for rangeland vegetation, soil, watershed and wildlife habitat. 

More broadly, the Carson National Forest seeks to maintain sustainable rangelands so that they provide forage for livestock grazing opportunities that contribute to agricultural businesses, local employment and livelihoods, as well as generational ties to the land. 

Prescribed Fire Logistics 

Fire managers will continue to consult with meteorologists for the Alamosa Unit 1 Prescribed Fire. Resource orders for fire crews, a helicopter and dozer are being submitted. If weather and conditions adversely change, ignitions will be postponed. 

El Rito Ranger Station staff have a limited number of portable HEPA air purifiers neighbors can check out. Call (575) 581-4554 for availability.

Update: 11/2/2023 3:30 pm

Pile burning operations in near the Fair subdivision have ended for the day. Firefighters were able to accomplish 500 piles and 7 acres worth of work for the day. Operations are anticipated to continue tomorrow. 

Pile burning operations began today (11/2/2023) near the Fair Subdivision, east of Tabernash along Water Board Rd (FSR 128). See map 

Smoke may be visible. 

Update: November 2, 2023

Type 3 Team, Incident Commander Scott Bovey, 116 Personnel

Trail Springs Fire | Size: 1251 Acres | Containment: 37% | Cause: Lightning

Smoke coming from the Trail Creek Fire was objectively lighter yesterday than the day before and the fire experienced no significant growth. Soil conditions have improved since last weekend’s winter storms. So, suppression repair work will begin in places where the perimeter is secure, such as around the spot fire to the northeast of the main fire and the area near the Chris Mountain Fire scar. Suppression repair is done under the guidance of a Resource Advisor, a specialist that understands the impacts of fire suppression activity on natural and cultural resources such as soils, wildlife, plants, historical and archeological sites, watersheds, and other resources that may have been affected by firefighting activities. Under the direction of the Resource Advisor, firefighters will return firelines, dozer lines, and other impacts from suppression efforts as close as possible to the state in which they were found before they began fighting this fire.

The fire danger level is currently high, so it is important that forest users completely drown campfires to prevent unintended escape. Use the “drown, stir, feel” method to be sure it's dead out.

Mill Creek 2 Fire |Size: 122 Acres | Containment: 0% | Cause: Under Investigation

This fire is located in rugged, remote terrain near the border of the South San Juan Wilderness Area. Firefighters continue to actively observe fire behavior from strategic locations on the ground and from the air. During yesterday’s flight, only two areas of smoke were observed from smoldering material within the existing footprint.

Weather: This high pressure system is parked over the Pagosa area, keeping conditions clear, sunny, and dry for at least the next five days. Lows today and tomorrow will be in the 20’s and highs could reach nearly 60. Winds remain light from the west/southwest and relative humidity continues to drop.

San Juan NF Temporary Closures: An area closure is in place involving roads and trails in or near the Trail Springs Fire area (Middle Mountain area), including Forest Road 630, East Monument Road, at its intersection with Turkey Springs Road. Details of the closure are on the Trail Springs Fire InciWeb page (link and QR code below) and on the “Alerts and Notices” page of the forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sanjuan/alerts-notices 

A Temporary Flight Restriction is in effect: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_3_8962.html#areas

Fire Information: 970-426-5370 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sanjuannationalforest

Lafitte Fire Update

November 2, 2023

Fire Information Line – (504) 382-0291 2023.lafitte@firenet.gov

Fulton Jeansonne, Incident Commander

Size: 147 acres | Containment: 80% | Total Personnel: 57 | Location: 0.5 miles north of Jean Lafitte, 1.5 miles north of Barataria | County: Jefferson | Start Date: October 17, 2023 | Cause: Undetermined

Fire Updates will be published every other day.

Jean Lafitte, LA - The Lafitte Fire in the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve remains under control with only minor smoldering. It is still 147 acres. Fire containment has increased to 80% with no visible smoke produced by the fire. Smoke in the general area is coming from other south Louisiana fires.

This week- Firefighters’ tactical efforts have increased fire containment from 60 percent to 80 percent deploying fire hoses, sprinklers, and portable water tanks across the fire area and saturating the ground with fresh water to extinguish the fire. Firefighters used thermal imaging to precisely identify and extinguish hot spots within the fire area.

Planned Actions- The fire is located in a marsh that is dry from ongoing drought conditions. Limited access and areas of heavy fuels are a constant constraint. Fire hoses have been established to support mop up efforts on the uncontrolled portion of the fire. Firefighters will continue mop up operations to extinguish hot spots, secure containment lines and reduce smoke production.

Weather- Mostly sunny today with humidity recovering to the 40 percent to 50 percent range. Winds will remain slightly elevated with east/northeast wind gusts in the 10 to 15 mph range. Temperatures from the low 40’s to the high 60’s today Dry conditions continue through the weekend. The fire area is in a historic drought, resulting in elevated fire behavior, increased rates of spread, and extreme resistance to containment and control.

Lafitte Fire information link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/lajep-lafitte

National Park Service information link: https://www.facebook.com/JeanLafitteNPS

This is the Saint Charles Fire final update. The designated public information phone line is no longer in service. For all inquiries, please contact the San Carlos Ranger District of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands at 719-269-8500. You can also visit the Saint Charles Fire InciWeb page.

The Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, especially, the San Carlos Ranger District, appreciates the communities’ support and cooperation during this wildfire incident.

Current Situation:
The Saint Charles Fire is 492 acres and 99% contained. Containment refers solely to the perimeter itself and its potential for growth. The total acres reflect the size of the perimeter. It does not mean the fire affected all the land within the perimeter as fire will burn in some places at different levels of severity of either very hot, moderate, or light, while other places remain untouched.

Heavy equipment crews continued suppression repair activities along dozer lines, rehabilitating areas affected by fire suppression operations. Crews were able to scout along Division K to plan repair efforts. As snow continues to melt, firefighters and equipment crews will continue chipping and repair operations.

Though the fire is mostly contained, interior fuels may continue to burn, so smoke may be visible at times. Crews will continue to monitor visible smokes from lookout points. Be aware, it's also possible to see smoke next spring after the snow has melted.

Weather and Fire Behavior:
The sun has almost completely melted snowpack on the south-facing slopes in the fire area. Warm weather will continue throughout the week. Forecasted temperatures for Friday will run about five degrees above normal for this time of year. By Sunday, there may be increased cloudiness and slightly higher winds. Precipitation is unlikely.

Closures and Fire Restrictions:
An Area Closure is in place for the fire area on the San Carlos Ranger District of the PSICC. For additional information, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/psicc/alerts-notices. 

There are currently no fire restrictions in place in Pueblo and Custer Counties.

Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Fire Statistics:
Size:  492 acres 
Containment: 99%
Total Personnel: 99
Location: 7 Miles SW of Beulah, CO
Reported: October 14, 2023
Cause: lightning

For More Information:   
San Carlos Ranger District: 719-269-8500
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/copsf-saint-charles-fire 

Pile burning efforts will continue today on the Missoula and Superior Ranger Districts to reduce hazardous fuels from previous vegetation management operations. 

Missoula Ranger District:  Firefighters will burn 17 acres of piles by hand east of Marshall Mountain Ski Resort. Smoke may be visible from I-90 along East Missoula. 

Superior Ranger District: Firefighters will initiate up to 10 acres of pile burning 4 miles northeast of Superior. Smoke may be visible from Interstate 90 and Superior. 

Pile burning is only implemented under the right conditions. Favorable conditions include correct temperature, wind, fuel moisture and ventilation for smoke. When these criteria are met, firefighters implement, monitor, and patrol each burn to ensure it meets forest health and public safety goals including air quality.

Current Burn Map 

At 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1, the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Gunnison Ranger District and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Gunnison Field Office will lift the Lowline Fire area closure. The area received approximately six inches of snow over the last week, reducing fire behavior significantly. 

The Lowline fire is a lightning-ignited wildfire located 14 miles north northeast of Gunnison, Colorado, 11 miles southwest of Crested Butte, Colorado.

For details of the forest order, GMUG-2023-08, visit our website here.

Please consider the following hazards when entering the Lowline Fire area and take appropriate safety precautions:

• Falling snags or trees
• Rapidly spreading fire
• Rolling material such as rocks or logs
• Heavy smoke and limited visibility
• Holes from burned out stumps
• Coal refuse piles–extreme heat could be present

For Lowline Fire update information, contact the Gunnison Ranger District at (970) 641-0471. For BLM Lowline area closure information, contact the Gunnison Field Office at (970) 642-4940.