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September 20, 2023, 3:26 p.m. – Interstate 70 is open at mile-marker 133, westbound, Dotsero.
September 20, 2023, 2:22 p.m. – Interstate 70 is closed at mile marker 133 westbound, Dotsero, due to an accident.
Contact: Patrick Kieran Public Information Officer (720) 679-4234
Location: Approximately 28 miles North of Loma, Colorado.
Jurisdiction: Bureau of Land Management, Grand Junction Field Office, and White River Field Office, Private.
Discovered: 08/12/2023 01:52 p.m.
Cause: Lightning
Vegetation type: Beetle Kill Spruce/Conifer, Mountain Brush
Estimated size: 246 acres
Containment: 65%
Threatened structures: 1 Historical Homestead
Current status: Increased showers expected over the fire area. The Northern Utah Type 3 Interagency Management Team has command of this fire. Fire suppression actions continue while maintaining safety for the public and firefighters. Current size is 246 acres, burning in a decadent Spruce/Conifer beetle kill Forest. Less than 60 fire personal comprising of Aviation, Crews, Engines, and Overhead.
Planned actions: The Northern Utah Type 3 Interagency Management Team will transition command of the Pike Ridge Fire back to Northwest District Fire on Monday, 9/11. Fire resources continue to build direct fire line when targets of suppression opportunity are possible. Mop up of the fire perimeter is ongoing. Structure protection of non-occupied historic homestead is complete. Hand Crews and Engines are preparing County Roads as a holding feature. Resources are removing vegetation along roads to lessen fire intensity if these County Roads need to be ignited to perform a burnout operation. The use of mechanical equipment has assisted this process. Fire and Land Managers are constantly assessing resources, communications, and working partnerships while ensuring public and firefighter safety.
Evacuations and closures: No evacuations.
Closures: No closures.
Smoke: Smoke will be visible from the Grand Valley, Meeker and Rangely, Co areas. Smoke is not impacting any roadway directly. Go to www.airnow.gov to view local airsheds and National Smoke Report.
Aviation safety: Aircraft may be used over the Pike Ridge Fire air space. Fire aviation resources are flying at different altitudes and speeds. Pilots should exercise caution when flying near wildfires to keep everyone safe. Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) FDC 3/9155 is in place through 09/22/2023. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones must never fly near wildfires, as UAS are difficult to see and drone pilots have no way of communicating with firefighting aircraft. The only UAS or drones able to fly are agency owned and operated and have been assigned to work on the wildfire and have communication with air operations. Remember if you fly, we can’t!
Contact: Patrick Kieran, Public Information Officer (720) 679-4234
Location: Approximately 28 miles North of Loma, Colorado.
Jurisdiction: Bureau of Land Management, Grand Junction Field Office, and White River Field Office, Private.
Discovered: 08/12/2023 01:52 p.m.
Cause: Lightning
Vegetation type: Beetle Kill Spruce/Conifer, Mountain Brush
Estimated size: 242 acres.
Containment: 0%
Threatened structures: 1 historical homestead
Current status: Weather conditions are drying out and wind gusts of 25 mph are anticipated for Wednesday afternoon. The next round of Monsoon moisture is Friday through the weekend. Some smoke can be seen in the area. The Northern Utah Type 3 Interagency Management Team has completed Transfer of Command on Tuesday, 08/29. Fire suppression actions continue while maintaining safety for the public and firefighters. Current size is 242 acres, burning in a decadent Spruce/Conifer beetle kill Forest. There are now over 120 fire personal comprising of Aviation, Crews, Engines, and Overhead.
Planned actions: Structure protection of non-occupied historic homestead are complete. Suppression actions are ongoing. The Hand Crews and Engines are preparing County Roads as a holding feature. They are removing vegetation along roads to lessen fire intensity if these County Roads need to be ignited to perform a burnout operation. The assistance of a mechanical masticator has sped up the process. Fire and Land Managers are constantly assessing resources, communications, and working partnerships while ensuring public and firefighter safety.
Evacuations and closures: No evacuations.
Closures: To protect persons, property, public lands, and resources these roads are closed to all public use to support the Pike Ridge Fire. BLM lands within Garfield and Rio Blanco Counties. Public lands within ¼ mile south of Garfield County Road 256, East of Pike Ridge, and West of Garfield County Road 257.
Smoke: Smoke will be visible from the Grand Valley, Meeker and Rangely, Co areas. Travelers on Highway 139 from Loma, CO to Rangely, CO will see the most some. Smoke is not impacting any roadway directly. Go to airnow.gov to view local airsheds and national smoke report.
Aviation safety: Aircraft may be used over the Pike Ridge Fire air space. Fire aviation resources are flying at different altitudes and speeds. Pilots should exercise caution when flying near wildfires to keep everyone safe. Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) FDC 3/9155 is in place through 09/22/2023. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones must never fly near wildfires, as UAS are difficult to see and drone pilots have no way of communicating with firefighting aircraft. The only UAS or drones able to fly are agency owned and operated and have been assigned to work on the wildfire and have communication with air operations. Remember if you fly, we can’t!
Aug. 27, 2023, 12:39 a.m. – Interstate 70 open between mile markers 116 and 133 in both directions, Glenwood Springs to Dotsero.
Aug. 26, 2023, 5:22 p.m. – I-70 is closed between mile markers 116-133, in both directions, Glenwood Springs to Dotsero, due to a flash flood warning.
Contact: Patrick Kieran Public Information Officer (720) 679-4234
Location: Approximately 28 miles North of Loma, Colorado.
Jurisdiction: Bureau of Land Management, Grand Junction Field Office and White River Field Office, Private.
Discovered: 08/12/2023 01:52 p.m. Cause: Lightning
Vegetation type: Beetle Kill Spruce/Conifer, Mountain Brush Estimated size: 231 acres
Containment: 0% Threatened structures: 0
Current status: The Pike Ridge Fire has grown the past few days due to increased winds, receptive fuel bed, remote, and rugged terrain. Due to the fire growth, increased fire complexity, logistical support needs, and public safety the White River Field Office in the Northwest District ordered the White River Type 3 Interagency Management Team. The White River IMT-3 assumed command of the Pike Ridge fire on 08/22/2023 at 06:00 a.m. Current size is 231 acres, with an estimated 85 fire personal comprising of Aviation, Crews, Engines, and Overhead. Remnants of Tropical Storm Harold is expected to arrive as early as Thursday, additional Monsoon moisture is expected through the weekend. An anticipated drying trend could be established early next week.
Planned actions: Transfer of Command to White River IMT-3 was completed, fire resources are engaged on the North Flank securing fire line, structure protection measures are in place. Suppression actions are ongoing. Fire and Land Managers are constantly assessing resources, communication, and working partnerships while ensuring public and firefighter safety.
Evacuations and closures: No evacuations. Closures: To protect persons, property, public lands and resources these roads are closed to all public use to support the Pike Ridge Fire. BLM lands within Garfield and Rio Blanco Counties. Public lands within ¼ mile south of Garfield County Road 256, East of Pike Ridge, and West of Garfield County Road 257.
Smoke: Smoke will be visible from the Grand Valley, Meeker and Rangely, Co areas. Travelers on Highway 139 from Loma, CO to Rangely, CO will see the most some. Smoke is not impacting any roadway directly. Go to airnow.gov to view local airsheds and National Smoke Report.
Aviation safety: Aircraft may be used over the Pike Ridge Fire air space. Fire aviation resources are flying at different altitudes and speeds. Pilots should exercise caution when flying near wildfires to keep everyone safe. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones must never fly near wildfires, as UAS are difficult to see and drone pilots have no way of communicating with firefighting aircraft. The only UAS or drones able to fly are agency owned and operated and have been assigned to work on the wildfire and have communication with air operations. Remember if you fly, we can’t!
The Spring Creek Fire transitioned from a Type 3 to a Type 4 Incident early yesterday morning. We will continue to post updates to this page as new information becomes available. Smoke from interior fire activity is expected to be visible for weeks to come.
The Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit Type 3 Team wants to thank the community for their continued support and hospitality. Thank you to all the firefighters, cooperators, and overhead staff for their help on this incident.
If you are interested in fire activity in the area, follow the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit for live updates on new starts.
July 13, 2023, 12:20 p.m. – The Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit Type 3 Team took command of the Spring Creek Fire early yesterday morning. Crews are actively engaged on the fire, mopping up, backhauling equipment that is no longer needed, and rehabbing suppression efforts. While fire behavior is minimal, smoke is expected and will be visible as the fire continues to burn within the fireline.
Fire Information Phoneline & Media Inquiries: (970) 200-6195.
7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Facebook: Spring Creek Fire
InciWeb
This will be our last operational briefing with Planning Operations Section Chief Trainee, Jeramy Dietz.
We want to thank the community of Parachute, CO for allowing us to serve you. Further information on the Spring Creek Fire can be obtained from the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit starting tomorrow.
Jared Hohn, Incident Commander
Date reported: June 24, 2023
Cause: Under investigation
Size: 3,286 acres
Containment: 50%
Total personnel: 480
Location: Southwest of Parachute, CO
July 11, 2023, 9:05 a.m. – Current situation: Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Two is coordinating with the local Type 3 team to provide a smooth transition for the Spring Creek Fire. To ensure the fire is at the appropriate point for the exchange in leadership, Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Two fire managers and firefighters are working hard to improve containment and finish strong.
Yesterday, there was minimal fire behavior and firefighters worked the edge of the fire gaining more containment. The repetition and hard work of “mopping-up”, extinguishing or removing burning material near control lines, will continue today. In addition, firefighters are back hauling equipment no longer needed and providing suppression repair, mitigating the effects of firefighting efforts. Firefighters will patrol all sides of the fire, but the north side remains more active.
Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Two will officially transfer command of the Spring Creek Fire back to the local Type 3 team on Wednesday morning; therefore, this is our final report. Thank you for your support of the team and the firefighters.
Spring Creek Road and High Mesa Road are open to restricted traffic only. Please avoid these areas if possible and drive with caution because of increased fire traffic on the roadway.
Weather and smoke information: High temperatures, and low humidity are predicted over the next several days. Winds will be close to 20 mph. Near critical fire weather continues in the region Tuesday through Thursday. Please remain attentive to preventing any new fire starts.
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 3/0215) 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: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
Media inquiries: (970) 414-1665 Time: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
Facebook: Spring Creek Fire 2023
Email: 2023.springcreek@firenet.gov
InciWeb: Spring Creek Fire Information
Starting Wednesday, 7/12: Please contact the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit for further information.
Operational Planning Section Chief Trainee, Jeramy Dietz with the operational briefing for July 10.
Jared Hohn, Incident Commander
Date reported: June 24, 2023
Cause: Under investigation
Size: 3,286 acres
Containment: 46%
Total personnel: 497
Location: Southwest of Parachute, CO
July 10, 2023, 9:30 a.m. – Current situation: Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Two is beginning a transition with a local Type 3 team to transfer command of the Spring Creek Fire. This change to a smaller organization is possible due to the successful suppression efforts over the past week; additional containment; and decreased fire behavior and intensity. The two incident management teams will spend the next two days sharing knowledge, data, and observations to ensure a seamless transition while work continues on the fire.
Yesterday helicopters and engines worked with firefighters to strengthen the holding line and gain more containment. There is a good bit of repetition at this point as firefighters revisit the same areas of the fire line, checking to make sure that no pockets of intense heat remain. Called “mopping-up” this hard physical labor process is essential in extinguishing or removing burning material near control lines.
As certainty in the strength of the containment line is increased, firefighters will shift to providing suppression repair, the process of mitigating the effects of firefighting efforts like flipping displaced vegetation back to root side down and placing water bars in the fire line to prevent erosion. Firefighters will work all sides of the fire, but the north side remains a bit more active than the rest.
Spring Creek Road and High Mesa Road are open to restricted traffic only. Please avoid these areas if possible and drive with caution because of increased fire traffic on the roadway.
Weather and smoke information: Monday will be partly cloudy with a chance of virga in the morning. High temperatures, and low humidity are predicted over the next several days. Winds will be close to 20 mph. Near critical fire weather continues in the region Tuesday through Thursday. Please remain attentive to preventing any new fire starts.
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 3/0215) 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: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
Facebook: Spring Creek Fire 2023
Email: 2023.springcreek@firenet.gov
InciWeb: Spring Creek Fire Information
July 7, 2023, 10:17 a.m. – Operational update from the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2. Jeramy Dietz, Planning Operations Section Chief Trainee, gives us an overview of each division’s operational plan for the day.
Jared Hohn, Incident Commander
Date reported: June 24, 2023
Cause: Under investigation
Size: 3,200 acres
Containment: 37%
Total personnel: 535
Location: Southwest of Parachute, CO
Current situation: The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Two continues improving the holding lines around the fire and removing fuel from inside the perimeter. The smoke column visible yesterday was indicative of a successful burnout in the thick oak and mahogany brush on the west end where firefighters connected the fire to the holding lines.
When this incident began in late June, much of the vegetation in the fire area was still green and moist. The wind became a significant factor for fire growth because it contributed to rapid drying of the vegetation ahead of fire. With temperatures in the 90s this week, the vegetation is quickly drying out even without the effect of the wind or the fire. It’s much more receptive to burning than even a week ago. Fire behavior specialists have noted the fire responds to direct heat from sunny skies, so the lack of cloud cover in the next few days could lead to increased fire activity.
Given that fuels will continue to dry, fire managers plan additional aerial ignitions to strengthen the holding lines, further separating the fire from drying fuels. There is variation in how cured the herbaceous and woody fuels are depending on their elevation within the fire. At the 9,000’ level these live fuels are more than 200% moister than an average year, setting new records, while at the 7,000’ level the fuels are matching the historical average and are now fully receptive to burning.
Carefully planned ignitions inside the holding lines will deprive the fire of fuel and limit the opportunity for winds to escalate the fire. The plan for today is to keep tying the fire into the holding line by burning out small units at a time.
Spring Creek Road and High Mesa Road are open to local traffic only. Please avoid these areas if possible and drive with caution because of increased fire traffic on the roadway.
Weather and smoke information: Clear skies, high temperatures, and low humidity are predicted for the next several days. Winds will be close to 15 mph. A strong inversion will again develop overnight and burn off as the day warms. Near critical fire weather continues in the region. Please remain attentive to preventing any new fire starts.
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 3/0215) 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: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Facebook: Spring Creek Fire 2023
Email: 2023.springcreek@firenet.gov
InciWeb: Spring Creek Fire Information