Cheney, WA, - The West Hallett Fire was reported at 1337 on Monday July 31st. It is located approximately 2 miles West of Highway 195 North of the Cheney Spokane Road.

Cheney, WA, - The West Anderson Fire was reported at 1708 on Wednesday August 2nd. It is located approximately ½ mile east of the city of Cheney North of Anderson Road.

Currently there are approximately 200 line and support personnel assigned to the fires.
The West Hallett fire is 75% contained and is sized at 126 acres. Evacuation levels are at level 1 (be ready to go) for residences within the fire perimeter. See attached map for clarification.

The West Anderson Fire is 0% contained and is sized at approximately 48 acres. Evacuation levels are at level 2 (Be set to go) for areas along Anderson road south of Cheney Spokane Road. See attached map for clarification.

Washington Department of Natural Resources and Spokane County Fire District 3 have assigned management of both fires to a Northeast Washington Interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team.

On West Hallett, firefighters continue to make progress toward the fire being 100% mopped up.

On West Anderson, Firefighters will work to enhance control lines around the fire while starting to mop up the perimeter. Crews will put a hose lay around the fire to assist with mopup as vehicle access is limited.
Initial mop up is for 300 feet around all structures and 100 foot perimeter around the entire fire working towards 100% extinguishment.

The incident command post is located at the Cheney middle School in Cheney WA. Fire information contact is Eric Keller at 509-481-7064.

Colt Fire Fact Sheet

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Fire Protection

Lolo National Forest and Flathead National Forest Land Management                  

NORTHERN ROCKIES TEAM 1                                        INCIDENT COMMANDER: BRENT OLSON

Fire Information: 406-247-0922      2023.Colt@firenet.gov    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColtFire 

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtmts-colt-fire

Friday, August 4, 2023 at 10:00 am

Location:  15 miles northwest of Seeley Lake, Montana

Start Date: 7/17/2023            Cause: Lightning       Size: 7,179 acres        Containment: 23%   

Total Personnel: 599             Engines: 15                Helicopters: 5                   Hand Crews: 14   

KEY MESSAGE

“Mop Up” is a wildland firefighting term used to describe engines and crews using water along the fire’s edge to quench the flames and using tools to mix the water into the burning material until extinguished. It also involves searching for and extinguishing areas of heat along the fire line.

CURRENT STATUS

Fire activity remained highest in the southwestern corner of the fire due to the persistent dry conditions over the area.  However, a forecast change in the weather pattern calls for cooler temps, higher humidity levels, and a chance of rain. The overnight infrared flight estimated the fire size to be 7,179 acres.

Yesterday in the southwest corner of the fire, crews and heavy equipment moved in to start construction of a control line along the leading edge of the fire from Forest Road 9570 south towards Sunset Ridge.  Crews continued to construct handline along the south side working to the west and staying north of the West Fork of the Clearwater River. The terrain through this area continues to get more difficult requiring crews to work carefully and deliberately to ensure their safety. On the east side, along Forest Road 646 (Colt/Uhler Road), engine crews continued to patrol and mop up. On the north side, patrolling and mopping up were also the priority work tasks. Along the west side crews tied in handlines and set up pumps and hose directly along the fire’s edge to aid in mop up and control. The Structure Protection Group patrolled the Highway 83 corridor and continued to assess structure protection needs for the Lindbergh Lake area.

PLANNED ACTIONS

In the southwest corner of the fire heavy equipment and crews will continue to construct control lines working to tie in with Sunset Peak and to support the goal of keeping the fire north of Sunset Ridge. Along the west side crews will continue to prepare line and use hose lays to secure and mop up along the fire edge. On the north and east sides of the fire, engines will patrol, hold, and mop up working towards additional containment. Crews will focus on one area of heat in a forest regeneration stand along Forest Road 646. Crews that have been working from east to west on the south side of the fire north of the West Fork of the Clearwater River will continue handline construction. The crews are working in steep terrain and the handline construction is slow and steady going. Helicopters will be used to cool hot spots and slow fire spread. The Structure Protection Group will continue structure protection assessment work in the Lindbergh Lake area and will be patrolling the Highway 83 corridor and other identified structure zones.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

On Friday, high temperatures in the fire area will range from 79-82 degrees and relative humidity levels ranging from 25-34%. There is a 30-35% chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Winds will be from the northwest at 10 mph with gusts up to 15 mph. It will be another warm and dry day which could lead to active fire behavior. Moderate growth is expected with the fire moving through the heavy dead and down surface fuels. Torching and spotting are possible in the subalpine fir and lodgepole pine.

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES

The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Evacuation Warning and Order summary:

-Residents on Beaver Creek Road (near the summit) are under an Evacuation Warning.

-Mile marker 31 (Beaver Creek Road at the intersection of Hwy 83) south towards Seeley Lake to mile marker 27, and including residences in Rovero Flats, are under an Evacuation Warning.

-Residences beginning at mile marker 27, south end of Rovero Flats, to mile marker 25.5 (the intersection of the West Fork of the Clearwater Road and Hwy 83) are under an Evacuation Warning.

-Residences on the north and south ends of Lake Inez are under an Evacuation Warning. The east side of Lake Inez, along Hwy 83, is not under any Warning or Order.

If conditions rapidly change an Evacuation Order may be issued with no prior notice or warning. Home and property owners in the surrounding area should remain vigilant and prepared. Have an evacuation plan for family, pets, and livestock; sign up for emergency alerts at Smart911.com; and be familiar with the Missoula County evacuation process and what an order and warning means by clicking on the following link:   https://www.missoulacounty.us/government/public-safety/office-of-emergency-management/evacuation-information.  For evolving Evacuations and Warnings please visit the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MissoulaCountySheriffsOffice .

The Lolo and Flathead National Forests have closed several forest roads, areas, and campgrounds near the fire area for public safety. The list of current closures includes:

-Forest Road 906 (closed at Highway 83)

-Rainy Lake Campground access road 4357 (closed at Highway 83)

-Rainy Lake Campground

-Alva Lake Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83)

-Alva Lake Campground

-Lakeside Campground access road (closed by gate at Highway 83)

-Lakeside Campground

-Lake Inez Campground

-Forest Road 646 (closed at the junction of FSR 552); FSR 4354; Forest Road 552 (beyond the turn off to west side Lake Inez access)

-Forest Road 5407 and 463 closed beyond the West Side snowmobile trailhead (these roads access the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Marshall Wildlife Management Area and Lake Marshall)

-Temporarily closing the Forest System Road loops of the Clearwater (FSR 4370 and 4353) and Richmond (FSR 667 and 720)

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS

A new, smaller Temporary Flight Restriction is in place for air space over the Colt Fire (FDC 3/7867) to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft operating in the area. An airport closure is in place for the Condon Airstrip (FDC 07/110) for firefighting helicopter operations. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!                   

 Grapevine Fire August 4, 2023 – Daily Update

Prescott National Forest Will Take Command of Fire from Central West Zone Incident Management Team

“Last Grapevine Fire Update Unless Significant Changes in Fire Activity Occur”

Location:  Mingus Mountain, Verde Ranger District (T14N, R2E, SEC 4), Approximately 10 miles east of Prescott Valley; 2 miles south of Mingus Spring Ranch

Start Date:  July 21, 2023

Size:  Approximately 1049 acres

Percent Contained:  51%

Cause:  Lightning    

Vegetation: Brush, Timber and Short Grass

Resources: 1 Type 1 Crew, 3 Engines, and additional support personnel

Number of Personnel Assigned: 120

Update: The Prescott National Forest (PNF) is taking command of the Grapevine fire as of 7:00 am, Friday August 4, 2023, from the Central West Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team (CWZT3).  The CWZT3 provided command for the resources deployed from all around the state for 13 days while coordinating with county, city and various other agencies including volunteers. The CWZT3 met all objectives the PNF outlined to provide safety to fire personnel and the public while suppressing the Grapevine Fire.  The PNF will continue protecting property and conducting assessments to make repairs to signs, fences, roads and any areas damaged by fire suppression efforts. 

Safety: Masticators (heavy equipment) and fire crews will remain in the fire area working along the FR132 and FR9002W north of Whitehorse. All lines have been completed on the east side of the fire meeting the objectives set early in the fire response.  Fire fighters will continue to patrol and monitor the fire area for the next few weeks, so we are asking the public to be very careful while in the area watching out for fire personnel and equipment.    

Fire Restrictions: The entire Prescott National Forest is under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions which prohibits building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal and briquettes, outside a structure that is provided by the Forest Service within designated areas for portions of the forest. Under these restrictions, discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun, except for persons engaged in legal hunting activities, is prohibited on the Prescott National Forest. Fireworks and the use of exploding targets are always prohibited year-round on national forests.

For fire information please call (928) 925-1111.

**ATTENTION**

NO PUBLIC TRAFFIC ALLOWED EAST OF THE JUNCTION OF FS ROAD 38 (EAST SIDE ROAD) AND FS ROAD 497 (DESERT MOUNTAIN ROAD).

NO PUBLIC TRAFFIC ALLOWED ON THE WEST SIDE ROAD SOUTH FORK ROAD #895 BEYOND MILE MARKER 15.

Powder Keg Pine Fire Update

Wednesday, August 4, 2023

10:30 am

Size: 117

Containment: 90%

Start Date: August 1, 2023

Cause: Under Investigation

At approximately 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 1, Texas A&M Forest Service received a request for assistance with a fire burning in brush and pine in Bastrop, Texas. Texas A&M Forest Service responded shortly after with personnel, heavy equipment and aviation resources. Air operations provided the “eye in the sky” for fire assessment as well as planes and helicopters delivering water drops.

Aircraft and engine crews engaged in protecting threatened structures, one structure was lost and one was damaged. Residents on Harmon Road and Pine Hill Loop were evacuated at 2pm but allowed to return at 9:00pm.

The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been lifted from over the Powder Keg Pine Fire.

Yesterday:

Texas A&M Fire Service arrived on scene at approximately 9:30am. The Powder Keg Pine Fire received beneficial humidity recovery overnight with no additional growth. The fire remained within the constructed containment lines, however there was still a lot of interior heat that engine crews worked on suppressing. Crews patrolled the completed containment line, spraying water to mitigate heat and smoldering stumps (mop up). Residents and commuters in the area should still expect to see smoke for the next few days.

During the afternoon crews continued to patrol and conduct heat suppression where needed. Containment increased from 80% around noon to 90% at 7:30 pm. Texas A&M Fire Service crews and engines will be released for the night by 8:00 pm and will return in the morning for continued patrolling and mop up.

Today:

The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over the Powder Keg Pine Fire was released at 9:00 am this morning.

Texas A&M Forest Service Incident Commander N. Decker took over control of the fire this morning. Engines and crews continue working with local resources to patrol the containment area and provide suppression where needed.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

Expect little day to day changes, besides a slight increase in temperatures, going into the weekend. Dry and hot conditions
continue today with a Red Flag Warning in effect this afternoon and evening at the fire site. While minimum humidity values will
be in the upper 20s this afternoon, good overnight recoveries will still be seen. Slightly warmer temperatures and slightly
lower humidity will be seen Saturday afternoon. Given the similar conditions to today, another Red Flag Warning is possible for
tomorrow.

Evacuations: None

Damages/Injuries:  Three structures lost and one damaged outbuilding.

Closures: None

Location: Forest Service Road (FSR) #284 (Elk City Wagon Road) 1 mile east of China Point, 3 miles Northwest of Pilot Knob near Mountain House Site

Start Date: 7/10/23       Cause: Lightning        Size: 179 acres                Completion/Containment: 38%

Total Personnel: 150    Engines: 2        Dozers: 2          Masticators: 4      Helicopters: 1  

Water Tender: 5         Crews: 3  

*Some forest resources are not counted in total personnel.

CURRENT SITUATION

Equipment crews continue improving and constructing indirect fuel breaks by clearing dead and down vegetation.   Fire personnel will continue looking for smoke, embers, and previously undetected hotspots.  Throughout the fire area, hand crews are continuing to support suppression efforts. Water tenders will continue to help reduce dust on roads and support engines with water for the hose lays and to full water tanks.

PLANNED ACTIONS

A full suppression strategy remains in place, that strategically works to actively contain the fire while protecting    nationally significant culture resources, timber, recreation, and other environmental and social values. The strategy also considers air quality, current and expected weather, fuel models, and more. Firefighter and public safety remain at the forefront of these actions and decisions. Work will continue to implement the contingency plan to protect the Highway 14 corridor, the adjacent vegetation treatment project areas, fish habitat, sensitive watershed, and Newsome townsite. 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Today, temperatures will cool slightly, and relative humidity will increase compared to what was previously seen this week.  Shower and thunderstorm chances increase by late afternoon with intermittent periods of return through early next week.  The probability of 0.25” or greater rainfall Friday through Sunday is 50-60%.  Winds will be light, and terrain driven but could become erratic with thunderstorms.  Fire behavior remains minimal however just one ember under the right conditions could lead to significant growth.   

AIR QUALITY INFORMATION

There has been an increase locally of smoke moving in from various other fires in the US and Canada.  For more information on air quality, visit www.airnow.gov

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

There are currently no closures in place.  The Peasley Creek Drainage Road is open; however, motorists are encouraged to avoid the road if possible due to heavy traffic and dust. Firefighting traffic is expected to be heavy along FSR #244 (Lightning Creek Road) and FSR #284 (Elk City Wagon Road) between China Point and Lytle Cow Camp. Plan to take extra time to reach your destination.  Reduce speed and turn your headlights on for safety.  

Equipo de Gestión de Incidentes del Complejo del área de las Montañas Rocosas 1
Dan Dallas, Comandante del Incidente

Teléfono de Información: 970-648-4470 (publico), 970-765-7123 (medios de comunicación)
Correo electrónico: 2023.lowline@firenet.gov
Horario: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Situación Actual: El incendio Lowline actualmente está 54% contenido y mide 1776 acres. Hoy, el trabajo será similar al de ayer al continuar con misiones de calor de "búsqueda y destrucción" en líneas de fuego no contenidas. El trabajo también incluirá mejorar la seguridad de la línea de fuego mediante la tala de enganches y la eliminación de otros peligros que podrían causar que el fuego se propague fuera del perímetro actual. En las líneas de fuego contenidas, la patrulla y la limpieza continuarán. Si las condiciones climáticas y de combustible lo permiten, pueden ocurrir operaciones de quemas de ensanche para reducir la carga de combustible en el interior o para agregar profundidad a las líneas de fuego. Al eliminar los combustibles o los combustibles que contribuirían a la propagación del fuego, se reduce el potencial de intensidad del fuego.

Anoche fue el turno final de las operaciones nocturnas para monitorear y patrullar. Durante los próximos días, se liberarán algunos recursos de extinción de incendios, lo que les permitirá reasignarlos a otros incendios forestales o tomarse un tiempo libre para descansar y recuperarse en preparación para su próxima asignación. A lo largo de la temporada de incendios, los bomberos y el personal de apoyo suelen trabajar hasta 14 días seguidos, regresan a casa por varios días libres y luego comienzan una nueva asignación de 14 días.

División A: La prioridad de hoy será conectar la línea de fuego contenida con el descanso de la división. Una operación de quema puede ocurrir en esta sección de la línea y extenderse a la División W. En algunas áreas a lo largo de ambas divisiones, el incendio principal quemó en "parches" dejando vegetación quemada y no quemada entremezclada. Patrullas y limpieza se llevarán a cabo en el resto de la división. La limpieza es importante para garantizar que las líneas de contención no se vean comprometidas por fuentes de calor persistentes que no se detectan actualmente y que pueden encenderse en un momento posterior.

División Z: Los bomberos monitorearán y patrullarán las líneas de fuego contenidas.

División Y: Los bomberos continuarán fortaleciendo y asegurando las líneas de fuego con la intención de lograr la contención en esta división. Se llevará a cabo una exploración adicional para el desarrollo potencial de una línea de fuego de contingencia adicional fuera de la cresta para conectar las líneas primaria y secundarias existentes.

División X: junto con la información obtenida de la exploración, los administradores de incendios utilizarán modelos predictivos para respaldar las opciones de decisión en esta división. El área es remota y está compuesta por terreno accidentado y diversos combustibles, lo que presenta mayores riesgos para los bomberos. Esta división permanece sin personal por ahora.

División W: Los bomberos evaluarán la humedad del combustible para determinar si una operación de quema tendrá éxito en la eliminación de combustibles no quemados cerca de la línea de fuego.

Protección de Estructuras: Los bomberos han completado 125 evaluaciones de estructuras. Estos esfuerzos continuarán para todas las casas cercanas al incendio.

Condiciones Climáticas y de Combustible:

Se espera que las condiciones climáticas sean cálidas y secas con vientos ligeros y posibles rachas por la tarde. Hay una pequeña posibilidad de tormentas eléctricas por la tarde con una precipitación pronosticada del 20 %. Las temperaturas estarán a mediados de los 70, la humedad alrededor del 30 % y los vientos de 5 a 10 mph con ráfagas de hasta 25 mph. Las condiciones climáticas están acelerando el agotamiento de la humedad del combustible, lo que aumenta la probabilidad de que se queme en el interior del incendio, especialmente en coníferas mixtas y materiales muertos y plumosos. El potencial de propagación fuera de las líneas de contención sigue siendo bajo.

Se pronostica una vigilancia meteorológica de incendios para el domingo, lo que significa un mayor riesgo de peligro de incendio debido a los fuertes vientos, la baja humedad y las temperaturas cálidas.

Evacuaciones, Cierres, y Restricciones de Incendios:

Se han realizado evacuaciones obligatorias en los drenajes de Squirrel Creek y Mill Creek. Para obtener información específica sobre evacuación, consulte Manejo de emergencias del condado de Gunnison en www.gunnisoncounty.org. Puede registrarse para recibir alertas de emergencia en sus teléfonos u otros dispositivos en: https://bit.ly/3QhZVZg.

Se ha implementado cierre de áreas, caminos y senderos en tierras del Sistema Forestal Nacional cerca del incendio. Para obtener detalles, consulte este enlace: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1126172.pdf. BLM ha implementado un cierre temporal en la vecindad del incendio. Para obtener más información, consulte este enlace: www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-information/colorado/southwest-district. Las carreteras del condado en la vecindad del incendio están bloqueadas. En interés de la seguridad pública, los bomberos piden a los visitantes que estén atentos al tráfico de incendios y que eviten el área.

Actualmente no hay restricciones de incendios en el condado de Gunnison. Si se implementan restricciones, se publicarán en este sitio: https://westslopefireinfo.com/gunnison-county/.

Los incendios forestales son una zona de exclusión aérea para aeronaves no autorizadas, incluidos los drones. Si tu vuelas, nosotros no podemos. Para obtener más información, visite http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Estadísticas del Incendio Lowline:
Tamaño: 1776 acres
Contenido: 54%
Personal: 393
Locación: 14 mi. NNW de Gunnison, CO
Reportado: 8:00 am 26 de Julio, 2023
Causa: Relámpago

Para más Información:
Línea Telefónica: 970-648-4470 (publico), 970-765-7123 (media)
Correo electrónico: 2023.lowline@firenet.gov
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cogmf-lowline-fire
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GMUGFireInfo

Crabapple Fire Update

Friday August 4, 2023

10:30 am

Size: 56

Containment: 50%

Start Date: August 3, 2023

Cause: Under Investigation

On Thursday August 3rd, Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) received a request for assistance on a fire approximately 6 miles west of Blanco, Texas. Texas A&M Forest Service responded around 4:15 pm, providing personnel, dozers and air operation assistance to the local fire department. The Texas Emergency Medical Task Force from Kerrville and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System Strike Team (TIFMAS) arrived on scene at approximately 5:30pm to offer additional crews and medical assistance if needed. The fire is currently 56 acres in size burning through grass and timber near 19 structures.

Yesterday:

An air attack plane arrived around 5:00pm, providing an overview of the fire area followed by a single engine air tanker (SEAT) dropping fire retardant within fire perimeter. Dozers started constructing fireline around the fire perimeter while engine crews conducted structure protection and containment line heat suppression. By 8:20 pm fire behavior had diminished and containment was up to 50%. Texas A&M Forest Service resources will be released at 9:30pm while the Blanco County crews monitor overnight. All crews will return in morning

Today:

Texas A&M Forest Service resources arrived back on scene by 9:30 am. The Crabapple Fire experienced good relative humidity recovery overnight and local crews monitored and provided heat suppression, there was no change in fire behavior. Today, dozers will continue improving containment lines and suppressing heat in the areas where the single engine air tanker (SEAT) dropped retardant yesterday.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

Expect little day to day changes, besides a slight increase in temperatures, going into the weekend. Dry and relatively hot conditions continue today with a Red Flag Warning in effect this afternoon until 9:00 pm this evening at the fire site. While minimum humidity values will be in the mid 20s this afternoon, good overnight recoveries will still be seen. Slightly warmer temperatures and slightly lower humidity will be seen Saturday afternoon. Given the similar conditions to today, another Red Flag Warning is possible for tomorrow

Evacuations: None

Damages/Injuries:  19 threatened structures and all saved

Closures: None

Laguna Larga Fire Update

Friday, August 4, 2023

4:00 pm

Size: 3,950

Containment: 95%

Start Date: August 3, 2023

Cause: Under Investigation

On Thursday August 3rd, Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) received a request for assistance on a fire approximately 11 miles east/northeast of Falfurrias, Texas. Texas A&M Forest Service responded around 4:50pm, providing personnel, dozers and air operation assistance to the local fire department. The fire is burning at a high rate of spread through tall grass and brush within an estimated 3,175 acre area. There are no losses to oil field equipment and no structures known to be threatened. 

Yesterday:

The Laguna Larga Fire had minimal fire activity and was 90% contained at 10:00 pm.  Texas A&M Forest Service resources remained on scene through the night assisting local staff with containment.  By 8:00 pm, the fire had split with the eastern head stopped beneath a powerline. Dozers completed the majority of containment lines overnight while engine crews suppressed high heat areas within the line.

Air attack planned to return in the morning to assess from the sky with Blackhawk helicopters. The Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System Strike Team (TIFMAS) from Cotulla will join the other crews in the morning.  

Today:

Over 20 local, state and federal resources assisted Texas A&M Forest Service crews with containing the fire last night. All containment lines have been constructed and engine crews are continuing to patrol and suppress heat spots within the lines. There is one aerial hazard from an overheated power pole, the Safety Officer is on scene assessing the danger. The appropriate power company is being contacted. The fire is 90% contained this morning and due to better mapping, acreage now stands at 3,950.

The air attack plane arrived this morning to provide visual assessment from the sky. Engine crews are patrolling containment lines providing suppression where needed. Although there were some small flames and smoking stumps in the interior, the fire intensity was minimal and there were no containment issues during the heat of the day. Current containment is 95% and Texas A&M Forest Service plans to transition fire control back to the local staff at end of shift today.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

Dry conditions continue today through Saturday, and probably into next week. South winds will shift to the southeast around 3 pm and increase to 10 to 15 mph. The relative humidity is expected to drop to around 35% for the afternoon, however there is a chance that the RH will drop to around 30% for the afternoon. Otherwise, hot temperatures will continue with heat index values around 115 through 7pm.

Evacuations: None

Damages/Injuries:  One potential power pole

Closures: None

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1
Dan Dallas, Incident Commander

Information Phone: 970-648-4470 (public), 970-765-7123 (media)
Email: 2023.lowline@firenet.gov
Information Staffing Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Current Situation: Lowline fire is currently 54% contained and 1776 acres. Today, work will be similar to yesterday’s by continuing to seek out remaining heat and hot spots along uncontained firelines. Work will also include improving fireline security through felling of snags and removing other hazards that can cause the fire to spread outside of the current perimeter. On contained firelines, patrol and mop up will continue. If weather and fuel conditions allow, burnout operations may occur to reduce fuel loads in the interior or to add depth to firelines. By removing burnable fuels or fuels that would support fire spread, fire intensity potential is reduced.   

Last night was the final shift for nighttime operations to monitor and patrol. Over the next few days, some firefighting resources will be released, allowing them to either be reassigned to other wildfires or take time off for rest and recuperation in preparation for their next assignment.  Throughout the fire season, firefighters and support personnel typically work up to 14 days continuously, are returned home for several days off, and then begin a new 14-day assignment. 

Division A: Connecting contained fireline with the division break will be today’s priority. A burning operation may occur in this section of line and extend into Division W. In some areas across both divisions, the main fire burned “patchy” leaving burned and unburned vegetation intermixed. Patrols and mop up will occur throughout the rest of the division.  Mop up is important ensuring containment lines are not compromised from lingering heat sources not currently detected that can ignite at a later point in time.

Division Z:  Firefighters will monitor and patrol contained firelines. 

Division Y: Firefighters will continue to strengthen and secure firelines with the intention of achieving containment in this division. Additional scouting will occur for potential development of additional contingency fireline off the ridge to connect the existing primary and secondary lines.   

Division X: In conjunction with information obtained from scouting, fire managers will use predictive modeling to support decision options in this division. The area is remote and composed of rough terrain and varying fuels, presenting heightened risks to firefighers. This division remains unstaffed for now. 

Division W: Firefighters will assess fuel moistures to determine if a burning operation will be successful at removing unburned fuels close to the fireline.

Structure Protection: Firefighters have completed 125 structure assessments. These efforts will be ongoing for all homes in proximity to the fire.   

Weather & Fuel Conditions:

Weather conditions are expected to be warm and dry with light winds and possible afternoon gusts. There is a small chance of afternoon thunderstorms with precipitation predicted at 20% Temperatures will be in the mid-70s, humidity around 30%, and winds at 5-10 mph with gusts up to 25mph. Weather conditions are accelerating fuel moisture depletion resulting in increased likelihood of burning in the fire’s interior especially in mixed conifers and dead and down materials. The potential for spread outside containment lines remains low.     

A fire weather watch is forecasted for Sunday, which means an increased risk of fire danger due to strong winds, low humidities, and warm temperatures. 

Evacuations, Closures, and Fire Restrictions:

Mandatory evacuations are in place in the Squirrel Creek and Mill Creek drainages. For specific evacuation information, see Gunnison County Emergency Management at www.gunnisoncounty.org. You may sign up to receive emergency alerts on your phones or other devices at: https://bit.ly/3QhZVZg .

An area, road, and trail closure has been implemented on National Forest System lands near the fire area. For specifics see this link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1126172.pdf . BLM has implemented a temporary closure  in the fire vicinity. For details see this link: www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-information/colorado/southwest-district . County Roads in the fire vicinity are barricaded. In the interest of public safety, fire officials ask visitors to be aware of fire traffic and avoid the area.

There are currently no fire restrictions in Gunnison County. Should restrictions be implemented, they will be posted at this site: https://westslopefireinfo.com/gunnison-county/ .

Daily Smoke Outlook reports can be found at this link: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/ed63b240 .

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

Lowline Fire Statistics:
Size: 1776 acres
Containment: 54%
Total Personnel: 393
Location: 14 mi. NNW of Gunnison, CO
Reported: 8:00 am July 26, 2023
Cause: lightning

For More Information:
Information Phone: 970-648-4470 (public), 970-765-7123 (media)
Email: 2023.lowline@firenet.gov
InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cogmf-lowline-fire
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GMUGFireInfo