Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Two

July 6, 2023, 11:13 a.m. – Operational Briefing with Jeramy Dietz for the Spring Creek Fire.

Jared Hohn, Incident Commander
Date reported: June 24, 2023
Cause: Under investigation
Size: 2,958 acres
Containment: 37%
Total personnel: 535
Location: Southwest of Parachute, CO

July 7, 2023, 9:43 a.m. – Current situation: The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Two made good progress and improved holding lines around the fire during yesterday’s calm winds. On the west side of the fire, crews were able to widen containment lines, further securing that edge. The favorable weather conditions provided crews with an opportunity to ignite unburned fuel on the northeast side, connecting the burned area to the prepared holding line of Dry Creek Road. Pumps, hoses, and water tanks are staged near the holding lines so firefighters can quickly access and use these tools as needed. Fire managers increased night crew staffing and shifted the night assignment from monitoring the edge of the fire to actively working the line to limit fire growth.

The addition of more night staff and more firefighters working close to active fire increases the risk of injury. Fire managers look for ways to mitigate those risks and provide for firefighter safety. To address this, an extraction route was built on the east side of the fire to provide rapid transport out via all-terrain vehicle if needed. On the extremely steep and remote south side, crews were pulled back from the area during Tuesday’s high winds. Helicopters transported them back in yesterday where they will spend several nights sleeping near the fire in spike camps. This common practice eliminates travel time to and from distant work locations. While this increases the efficiency in their work day, this creates other logistical needs: food and water must be transported in, and medical personnel join the spike camps to provide field treatment of minor issues and evaluation of those with greater needs.

Today there is a Red Flag Warning for the region, but the Spring Creek Fire perimeter is outside the area of highest concern. Over the fire, winds are predicted under 20 mph. This may allow some additional burning of ground fuels to help further secure the line. The aspect of the slope where the ignitions are planned is also sheltered from the prevailing wind direction. Fire managers will closely be watching conditions, but they are still confident any added fire on the landscape will remain contained. Firefighters will continue to secure the perimeter of the fire addressing pockets of heat and preventing spread.

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 20 mph. A strong inversion will develop overnight and burn off as the day warms. Near critical fire weather is expected in the region. Please remain vigilant in 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.