You may have heard fire staff on our daily Operations videos refer to areas as “Division Alpha” and “Division Zulu” when only A and Z are on the map. Why not just say “A” or “Z”? Clear communication is a vital part of fire operations. In many cases, there is no room for error.

The firefighters on the ground, in the air, and at the Incident Command Post all need to communicate to each other remotely. Have you ever been spelling your name over the phone, and you say “M”, but the person writes down “N”? It’s irritating but not critical that a mistake was made. When our firefighters are communicating about operational locations, it’s critical to effectively communicate so all resources understand and can operate accordingly without any confusion or misunderstandings. Firefighters lives depend on clear and consistent communication, and the phonetic alphabet is one simple practice to ensure that happens.

Jeramy Dietz, Planning Operations Section Chief Trainee, Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 explains the difference between indirect and direct fireline and how to determine which line tactic to use.  The video can be watched at this link https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-videos-gallery/cowrf-spring-creek-fire

Chris Mountain Fire Update July 1, 2023 11:00 am

Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Three Matt Spring, Incident Commander

Date Reported: June 28, 2023

Cause: Lightning

Size: 348

Containment: 0%

Total Personnel: 302

Location: 12 miles west-northwest of Pagosa Springs

Current Situation: Management of the Chris Mountain Fire transitioned to the Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Three Friday evening at 8:00 pm. The fire is on the San Juan National Forest, Pagosa Springs Ranger District and was reported on June 28th. Over the past few days, the fire has slowly backed into the Devil Creek Drainage. The fire is removing understory debris with occasional single tree torching.

Crews will engage the fire directly where the vegetation and terrain allow them to do so safely. Additional crews, engines and overhead resources arrived on the fire yesterday. Crews were able to build approximately one mile of direct handline utilizing a network of trails and roads on the northwest portion of the fire. Today, crews will continue constructing line on the western side moving south. On the southern end of the fire, crews will begin constructing line north of the Snow Angel Ranch creating an anchor point. On the east side of the fire, crews and overhead will scout locations for primary and secondary containment lines. Fixed and rotor wing aviation will be utilized to slow the fire progression and assist the crews on the ground.

Residents and travelers should expect to see an increase in fire vehicle traffic in Pagosa Springs.

Weather & Smoke Information: The weather will continue to be warm and dry. Temperatures today will reach in the mid-80s over the fire area. The relative humidity is expected to be around 18 percent. There is a small chance for afternoon thunderstorms, but no measurable precipitation is anticipated.

Closures: San Juan National Forest has a closure order in effect: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-publication/cosjf-chris-mountain-fire/chris-mountain-fire-closure

Evacuations: Archuleta County has issued mandatory evacuations for Forest Road 628, effective June 28th, 2023. No structures have been lost, but some near the heel/southern end of the fire are considered threatened, prompting evacuations. To sign up for emergency notifications, visit the Archuleta County Emergency Operations website. For current evacuation information, visit their Facebook page or call the Chris Mountain Evacuees Call Center: at 970-264-8373

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A TFR is in place at this time. TFR link: tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_3_9743.html

FIRE NAME INFORMATION

Fire Information Phoneline: (970) 549-8799 Time: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm

Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094353994683

Email: 2023.chrismountain@firenet.gov

InciWeb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/cosjf-chris-mountain-fire

Actualización del Incendio Spring Creek

1 Julio de 2023

Equipo de Gestión de Incidentes del Complejo del área de las Montañas Rocosas Dos

Jared Hohn, Comandante del Incidente

Fecha Reportada: 24 de Junio, 2023

Causa: Bajo Investigación

Tamaño: 2, 921acres

Confinamiento: 24%

Personal Total: 523

Locación: Sur oeste de Parachute, CO.

Situación Actual: El Equipo de Gestión de Incidentes del Complejo del área de las Montañas Rocosas 2 continúa enfocando los esfuerzos de extinción de incendios en limitar la propagación del fuego. Trabajar para extinguir por completo este incendio requiere una variedad de métodos de extinción de incendios para abordar los diversos combustibles y terrenos extremos mientras se brinda seguridad a los bomberos. En el lado oeste del incendio, los bomberos han podido aumentar la contención al 24% al crear una línea de mano adyacente al borde del incendio. En el lado norte del incendio, el terreno es más difícil, lo que impide que los bomberos puedan trabajar a lo largo del borde donde las pendientes empinadas crean un alto potencial para que los troncos quemados rueden cuesta abajo y enciendan incendios debajo de la línea. Para contener el fuego allí, los bomberos han conectado una línea de mano a Dry Creek Road. Para ayudar a que el camino actúe como una barrera contra incendios, los bomberos están quitando la maleza y agotando los materiales inflamables a lo largo del camino. En la esquina noreste, la maleza de roble es muy espesa, por lo que la mejor táctica es usar excavadoras para construir líneas en esa área. En el lado sur, el terreno extremadamente empinado hace que las gotas de agua aéreas sean la mejor táctica para enfriar el fuego. Los administradores de incendios continuarán adaptando su estrategia de supresión para adaptarse mejor a las diversas condiciones. Las tácticas futuras adicionales pueden incluir quemar áreas de combustible no quemado durante buenas condiciones climáticas para asegurar aún más el borde del fuego. El fuego no tuvo crecimiento ayer. Las cuadrillas continúan trabajando durante la noche para evitar la propagación del fuego. Los equipos de bomberos están colocando mangueras y tanques de agua para proteger la estructura en las áreas de Wallace y Dry Creek que podrían verse afectadas por el incendio.

Spring Creek Road y High Mesa Road están abiertas solo al tráfico local. Evite estas áreas si es posible y conduzca con precaución con el aumento de personal de bomberos en la carretera.

Información sobre el Clima y el Humo: Se pronostica que el clima permanecerá bastante estable, cálido y seco durante los próximos días. Se esperan vientos ligeros del NW de 5 a 15 mph. Durante la noche se desarrolló una inversión en el fuego manteniéndolo fresco esta mañana. A medida que el día se calienta, se quemará y el fuego se volverá más activo, pero no se espera una actividad significativa. Para el martes, se pronostica que el clima se volverá más cálido y ventoso. El incendio de Spring Creek está produciendo humo que puede afectar la calidad del aire. Para obtener información sobre la calidad del aire actual y problemas de salud relacionados, visite garfield-county.com/air-quality o fire.airnow.gov.

Cierres: Oficina de Administración de Tierras La Oficina de Campo del Valle del Río Colorado y el Bosque Nacional del Río Blanco del Servicio Forestal de EE. UU. tienen órdenes de cierre de tierras públicas vigentes para la seguridad del público y de los bomberos.

Visite la oficina de campo de BLM Colorado River Valley y el Servicio Forestal de EE. UU. – White River para conocer las órdenes de cierre.

Evacuaciones: No hay evacuaciones en estos momentos. Se les pide a los residentes a registrarse en el sistema de notificación de emergencia del condado de Garfield en: Autoridad de Comunicaciones de Emergencia del Condado de Garfield (garco911.com). Todas las órdenes de evacuación se realizarán a través de la oficina del Sheriff. Llame a la línea de mensajes grabados al 970-981-3401 para obtener información actualizada sobre evacuaciones.

Restricciones Temporales de Vuelo: Existe una restricción de vuelo temporal (FDC 3/7086) para el espacio aéreo sobre el incendio de Spring Creek para reducir los impactos en los operadores de aviación de incendios. La respuesta de la aviación contra incendios se detiene o retrasa si una aeronave no autorizada ingresa al área restringida. Las restricciones temporales de vuelo también se aplican a los sistemas de aeronaves no tripuladas (UAS) o drones. ¡Si tú vuelas, nosotros no podemos!

Línea Telefónica de Información Sobre el Incendio: (970)414-1772 Horario: 8am – 9pm

Facebook: SpringCreekFire2023 Correo Electrónico: 2023.springcreek@firenet.gov InciWeb: Spring Creek Fire Information

Acres: 59,074                                                                                                     
Start Date: May 18, 2023
Location: 40 miles west of Winston, NM                                                                                                   Cause: Lightning
Containment: 12%                                                                                                   
Fuels: Timber, piñon/juniper and grass
Personnel: 140, 1 Type 1 Helicopter, 2 Type 3 Helicopters

Yesterday, crews completed about half of the planned hand ignitions along the Iron Trail (771) to remove available fuels and establish containment along the southeastern fire perimeter in the Burnt Corral Canyon area. Today, crews will monitor and hold yesterday’s ignitions through hot, dry conditions. Hand ignitions along Iron Trail #771 and White Rocks Trail #27 may continue tomorrow if conditions prove favorable. Crews continue monitoring fire activity and effectiveness of past suppression actions west of Indian Creek and an area of heat in the Log Canyon area.

A public safety road and trail closure went into effect yesterday, including all or portions of several roads and trails that provide access to and within the perimeter of the Pass Fire. These closures include Forest Roads 704 and 4208P in their entirety, and portions of Trails 26, 27, 157, 771, and 772. The area closure and associated map can be found at Gila National Forest - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov).

Applying a “confine and contain” strategy allows fire to play its natural role in fire-adapted forest ecosystems, while protecting private land, infrastructure, and natural resource values at risk. Fire is a normal visitor to the Gila landscape and something with which we all have to cope. Ecosystems here are not only adapted to fire, but dependent on the frequent return of low to moderate intensity fire to maintain healthy forest, watershed, and fuels conditions.

Fire danger is increasing under hot, dry weather conditions. The need for fire restrictions on the Gila National Forest is reassessed daily. If they are allowed and weather permits, you must watch your campfire at all times, or extinguish it fully when it is not attended. Douse with plenty of water, stir it into the coals, and feel for heat. Extinguished means cold to the touch with your bare hand.

Weather: Sunny, with highs of 80 – 87 F and north winds of 0 - 10 mph. Conditions will be very dry with minimum relative humidity of 8%. Though smoke production isn’t expected to be heavy today, it will tend to hover, with insufficient winds to efficiently carry it away. Smoke tends to settle into lower valleys during overnight heat inversions. Low elevation smokey conditions may persist during early morning hours, generally lifting with solar heating.

Aviation Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is still in place over the Pass Fire. All non-fire aircraft are restricted. This includes civilian drones. Unauthorized aircraft in the area will ground firefighting aircraft, hindering firefighting efforts. If you fly, we can’t.

For More Information:

• Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/nmgnf-pass-fire
• New Mexico Fire Information: https://nmfireinfo.com/
• Air Quality: https://www.airnow.gov

Titan Fire Update

Saturday, July 1, 2023 – 9:00 a.m.

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1

Dan Dallas, Incident Commander

Information Phone: 719-257-3621

Email: 2023.titan@firenet.gov

Information Staffing Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Special Notes: The Las Animas County Sheriff’s Office lifted all evacuation orders as of 3:00 p.m. on June 30. Approximately 25 households were affected by this notice. San Isabel Electric Association has announced that there are no restrictions on using power in the area. The team is very appreciative of the cooperation between agencies and the positive communications occurring to ensure the safety of the communities affected by the Titan Fire.

Current Situation: Containment on the fire reached 20% yesterday, with no fire growth. Firefighters are able to directly attack and suppress the Titan Fire and current tactics using engines and hand crews are proving effective. The completed dozer and hand lines are being improved and mop up operations have begun. While many resources have arrived to assist, some will begin to be released to assist other fires as containment increases further. There are still hot spots that need attention, so firefighters will continue to work safely to protect themselves and the community values at risk.

Weather & Fuel Conditions:

More rain showers fell on the fire, continuing to help with suppression efforts and containment. Today will be sunny with temperatures in the high 70s, with relative humidity around 30% today, recovering to 80% this evening. Isolated thunderstorms are expected. The green grass fuels are not carrying fire, which is very helpful in limiting any fire growth.

Evacuations, Closures, and Fire Restrictions:

Residents are encouraged to register with the Las Animas County emergency notification system at lasanimascounty.colorado.gov/codered. Now is the time to make sure you, your family and your property are prepared for wildfire. Visit Ready, Set, GO! at wildlandfirersg.org and Firewise USA at firewise.org for more information.

There is still a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the Titan Fire. Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t.  For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Titan Fire Statistics:

Size: 930 acres

Containment: 20%

Total Personnel: 130

Location: 11 miles northwest of Trinidad, CO

Reported: June 28, 2023

Cause: Under investigation

For More Information:

  Information Phone: 719-257-3621

Email: 2023.titan@firenet.gov

  Facebook: www.facebook.com/TitanFire2023

###

Size: est. 1,000 acres

Containment: 75%

Start Date: June 28, 2023

Cause: Under Investigation, Human Caused

The Storage Fire, burning south of Possum Kingdom Lake and 9 miles west of Palo Pinto in Palo Pinto County, started on June 28, 2023. The fire is suspected to be human caused and is under investigation. The fire is burning in brush, grass and mesquite mix, and is showing low to moderate fire behavior now.

Evacuations: There are currently Voluntary Evacuations in place for the communities of Gaines Bend, Sportsman's World and Hell's Gate. Residents are asked to use caution if residents reenter the area as trees and utility poles may have been weakened by the fire.

One outbuilding was damaged Thursday afternoon, but no other structures have been lost. No injuries have been reported at this time.

Yesterday: Last night, Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) Engine crews focused on mop-up of several areas around the head of the fire and closest to the evacuated neighborhoods to the north. Heavy equipment was not utilized last night to allow operators to rest and recover overnight. Storms did develop overnight and engine crews patrolled the fire to watch for any spread from high winds. Little to no precipitation was observed on the fire.

Today: Texas A&M Forest Service heavy equipment crews will finish constructing containment lines today, working as close to the fire’s edge as possible. TIFMAS engine strike teams and engines from local fire departments are continuing to mop-up the perimeter of the fire and patrolling the area for any hot spots.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Cloudy skies today will help to keep temperatures cooler and keep relative humidity above 35%. These clouds should stay in the area through the afternoon. Some thunderstorms may develop this afternoon with gusty outflow winds and potential lightning.

Temporary Flight Restriction: There is an updated Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place for the area over the fire, [NOTAM: FDC 3/9966, https://bit.ly/437Sg2D]. Please avoid the area to provide a safe environment for firefighting aircraft. If there are any drone or aircraft intrusions into the TFR, all aerial operations must stop.

Fire Information

Adam Turner

Public Information Officer, Texas A&M Forest Service

Email: adam.turner@tfs.tamu.edu

Phone: 940-328-9158

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/txtxs-storage-fire

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllHazardsTFS

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AllHazardsTFS

Spring Creek Fire Update

July 1, 2023

Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Two
Jared Hohn, Incident Commander

Date Reported: June 24, 2023
Cause: Under Investigation
Size: 2,921 acres
Containment: 24%
Total Personnel: 523
Location: Southwest of Parachute, CO

Current Situation: Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team 2 continues to focus firefighting efforts on limiting the spread of the fire. Working to fully suppress this fire requires a variety of firefighting methods to address the varied fuels and extreme terrain while providing for firefighter safety. On the west side of the fire, firefighters have been able to increase containment to 24% by creating handline adjacent to the fire’s edge. On the north side of the fire, the terrain is more difficult, preventing firefighters from being able to work along the edge where steep slopes create a high potential for burning logs to roll downhill and ignite fires below the line. To contain the fire there, firefighters have connected a handline to the Dry Creek Road. To help that road act as a fire barrier, firefighters are removing brush and depleting flammable materials along the road. On the northeast corner, the oak scrub brush is very thick, making the best tactic to use bulldozers to build line in that area. On the south side, the extremely steep terrain makes aerial water drops the best tactic for cooling the fire. Fire managers will continue to adapt their suppression strategy to best suit the varied conditions. Additional future tactics may include burning out areas of unburned fuel during good weather conditions to further secure the fire’s edge. The fire had no growth yesterday. Crews continue to work overnight to prevent fire spread. Fire crews are placing hose lines and water tanks for structure protection in Wallace and Dry Creek areas that could be impacted by the fire.

Spring Creek Road and High Mesa Road are open to local traffic only. Please avoid these areas if possible and drive with caution with increase in fire personnel on the roadway.

Weather & Smoke Information: The weather is predicted to remain fairly stable, warm, and dry for the next few days. Light NW winds of 5-15 mph are expected. Overnight an inversion developed on the fire keeping it cool this morning. As the day warms up, that will burn off and the fire will become more active, but no significant activity is expected. By Tuesday, the weather is predicted to grow warmer and windier. The Spring Creek Fire is producing smoke that may affect air quality. For information on current air quality and related health concerns, visit garfield-county.com/air-quality or fire.airnow.gov.

Closures: Bureau of Land Management Colorado River Valley Field Office and US Forest Service White River National Forest have public land closure orders in place for the safety of public and firefighters.

Visit BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office and U.S. Forest Service – White River for closure orders.

Evacuations: There are no evacuations at this time. Residents are encouraged to register with Garfield County's emergency notification system at: Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority (garco911.com). All evacuation orders will be conducted through the Sheriff's office. Call recorded message line at 970-981-3401 for current evacuation information

Temporary Flight Restrictions: There is a TFR (FDC 03/0215) in place for air space over the Spring Creek Fire to reduce impacts to fire aviation operators. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if an unauthorized aircraft enters the TFR. Temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!

Fire Information Phoneline: (970) 414-1772 Time: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Facebook: Spring Creek Fire 2023 Email: 2023.springcreek@firenet.gov InciWeb: Spring Creek Fire Information

80 personnel are assigned to the fire

158 total acres burned.

Fire crews had another successful day of burning. The fire continues to burn with low intensity.

With increasing temperatures and decrease in relative humidity fire professionals adjusted tactics slowing down firing operations, but still meeting objectives and continued progress.

Groveland and Fulton hotshot crews were actively lighting the fire.

Three, type 3  engines worked at holding the fire lines.  One engine is from the Stanislaus National Forest, one from the Los Padres and one from the Inyo National Forest.

In addition, the Calaveras Wildland Fire Module specializing in fire behavior, recorded fuel samples took weather data, measured, fire, spread and monitored fire objectives.

Effective 10:00 p.m. June 30, 2023 Palo Pinto county has rescinded the mandatory evacuation order and lowered the level to a voluntary evacuation. There is still an active fire burning in the area of the neighborhoods of Sportsman’s World, Hell’s Gate, and Gaines Bend and firefighting resources will remain in the area. Residents are advised to continue to evacuate the area if they can.

Residents who do chose to return should use caution when driving as fire engines will still be working along the roadways. There may still be small flames and smoke visible in the burn area, even after this fire is contained and declared controlled. Additionally, flames and heat may have weakened trees and power poles that can come falling down in high winds. Use caution when around these burned areas as they may be different then what residents saw before the fire.