Information Officers: Ted Pettis, Rick Barton, Lora Schmillen Information Center 970-240-2049 Information Center Hours 7am-9pm Incident: This wildland fire started on 6/15/2013; cause was lightning. Location: 30 miles southeast of Montrose, CO. Jurisdiction: Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, & Gunnison National Forests Cooperating Agencies: BLM, Gunnison County Incident Commander: Rick Kusicko, Northern Rockies Type II Incident Management Team (IMT). The Incident Command Post (ICP) is located at the Columbine Middle School in Montrose. Current Size: 447 acres Containment: 0% Management Strategy: Full suppression Structures Threatened: 20 residences, 15 commercial properties, and outbuildings Structures Lost: none Status: The fire has been moderately active; burning in spruce/fir fuels with creeping and single tree torching. Steep, rocky, inaccessible terrain (primarily below the Rim) with heavy dead/ down fuels that are extremely dry has made suppression efforts very difficult. The high elevation also affects crew and equipment efficiencies. The Little Cimarron Creek Road and Road 864 are being heavily used by the fire crews for access to the fire. Some crews are staying in a „spike camp‟ setup on the High Mesa. Road maintenance will be ongoing with road blading and dust abatement with water as needed. Yesterday’s Activities: In spite of the high temperatures, fire activity was moderate with no visible column. Crews started line building around numerous spot fires in the eastern portion of fire area. Some dozer line was established. Current Resources: Four 20-person crews, nine engines, one dozer, three water tenders, and three helicopters. Total personnel:266. Today’s Activities: A high pressure ridge is predicted to re-develop throughout the week. This will bring generally higher temperatures and lighter winds. Fire activity can become active for short durations in exposed areas. Crews will be taking direct suppression actions where conditions allow safe completion. Scouting for other safe opportunities to establish effective fireline is ongoing. Restrictions/Closures: A „Closure Order‟ has been issued by the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests prohibiting use of National Forest System roads and trails that access the East Fork Fire area. In addition, a temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect surrounding the East Fork Fire area. A road “Closure Order” for the BLM adjacent spur roads has been issued. Please contact: Gunnison Field Office for more information at 970-642-4940. On June 24, 2013, the Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions due to high fire danger and ongoing fire activity. The prohibitions relate to campfires and smoking on National Forest System lands in the area. For more on the closures and restrictions please go to the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest website (fs.usda.gov/gmug). The Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail are closed from Stoney Pass to San Luis Peak due to fire activity on the Papoose Fire located in Mineral County. For further Fire Information, visit: inciweb.org; Select “East Fork Fire”. Or call the Forest fire hotline 970-874-6602.
Posted on: Thu, 27 Jun 2013 23:19:51 +0000
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