Pine Gulch Fire statistics:
Size: approximately 139,006 acres
Containment: 77%
Total personnel: 915
Location: Approximately 18 miles north of Grand Junction, CO
Reported: July 31, approximately 5:15 p.m.
Cause: Lightning

Special Notes: Because of more accurate mapping yesterday that included previously unburned islands within the fire perimeter, the Pine Gulch Fire is now 139,006 acres, making it the largest wildfire in Colorado history. Firefighting efforts on the Pine Gulch Fire have been highly successful; the fire is now 77% contained.

The Rocky Mountain Type 1 Incident Management Team will be transitioning command of the Pine Gulch Fire to the Southern Area Type 1 Red Team on Sunday morning, August 30. Members of the Southern Area team are beginning to arrive today, and tomorrow will be a “shadow day” where members of both teams work closely together to ensure an efficient and thorough transition.

Garfield county has removed the pre-evacuation for all areas west of Hwy 139 to the Utah border. BLM closures in the fire area have been reduced, but some are still in effect: www.tinyurl.com/PineGulchBLM.

Current situation: Yesterday, most of the observed fire activity was interior burning of unburned fuels that posed no threat to containment lines. Similar behavior is expected today, with minimal chance of spread outside the fire perimeter. Interior burning is most likely in the East Salt Creek area in Division F and on the west side in Division D.

More containment was added to all sides of the Pine Gulch Fire, including on the northeast in Division K, the south side at the Division A/B break, along Hwy 139 in Divisions D and E, and in the East Salt Creek area in Division F. There is still some open line and heat in the area near the Division A/B break, but there has been no fire movement for many days. Similarly, there is still open line and heat in Divisions B and D in the Munger Creek area, but no movement, and this area will be monitored from Hwy 139 as well as from the air. Fire above the retired mine near Hwy 139 has checked itself in natural barriers with no recent movement.

Today, crews in Divisions K, Z, and A will patrol and monitor as well as backhaul unneeded equipment including structure protection equipment near homes on the Roan Creek Rd. In Divisions F, handline created by hotshots in the East Salt Creek area is complete; however, there are still several days of work left to completely mop-up and secure this edge. This area is steep and severe terrain that is accessible only by foot, so this work requires time and patience.

As activity on the Pine Gulch Fire quickly diminishes, fire managers are rightsizing the organization to appropriately fit the current needs. Many resources will be demobilized today so that they can be sent to other fires where the need is now greater. A nighttime operational period is no longer necessary on the Pine Gulch Fire; all future work will be performed during daytime hours.

Focus is now on structure suppression repair (actions that help minimize damage to soil, water, and other resources directly attributable to fire suppression activities) and rehabilitation of impacted areas. Resource Advisors will work with crews to direct efforts, and today these efforts will begin in the SE corner of the fire in Division A.

Weather & fuel conditions: Today brings more chances of thunderstorms starting at 12 p.m. with the potential for wind gusts up to 40 mph. There is a 10% chance of wetting rain. Maximum temperature is around 89 with 19-22% minimum relative humidity. Winds are forecast from the southwest at 5-8 mph with gusts up to 17. There is an increasing chance for thunderstorms and moisture in the coming days. As the chance of rainfall increases, so does the threat of flash flooding and debris flow. Any new fire starts in the vicinity still have significant potential for growth.

Evacuations and pre-evacuations: Evacuations and pre-evacuations are changing in Garfield County as fire activity decreases. Please go to: www.garfield-county.com and scroll down to the “evacuations” tab for the most recent updates. There are currently no pre-evacuations or evacuations in Mesa County: www.sheriff.mesacounty.us/FireInformation. Closures: Roan Creek Road (204) at North Dry Fork (200). The 21 Road north of the BLM boundary, 16 Road at V 8/10 Road, and the Q 5/10 Road is closed at 18 Rd. Some BLM lands in the fire area are still closed. Please see: www.tinyurl.com/PineGulchBLM.

Air quality: Air quality health advisories may be issued in areas near the Pine Gulch and Grizzly Creek fires. A smoke outlook for the Pine Gulch Fire is available where this update is posted and at https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/WesternColorado. For more information on smoke levels, please visit https://airnow.gov.

Emergency alerts: For Garfield County, please visit garco911.com. Mesa County alerts, please visit bit.ly/Emergency_Alerts.

Temporary flight restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Pine Gulch Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Resources include: 3 Type 1 hand crews, 9 Type 2 hand crews, 7 helicopters, 60 engines, 13 bulldozers, 26 water tenders, and overhead/support personnel.

For more information:
Information office: (970) 628-0130, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Media inquiries: (970) 812-3706, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Email: 2020.PineGulch@firenet.gov
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6906/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/PineGulchFireCO
Interactive fire map: https://arcg.is/W0izr
Smoke outlook: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/WesternColorado

Update: 8.25.20, 4:34 p.m. – RMIMT – We are getting a lot of questions about recreation near the Pine Gulch Fire area. Besides the road closures put in place by the county sheriffs, the BLM has a closure order for the fire area. (See attached map and order). This order has not changed nor been removed, as there is still active fire and heavy fire traffic in the area.

Wildfires often have a large impact on recreation. Local and visiting populations are affected, which include short and long-term effects on the land, indirect effects of fire operations, fuel treatments, area closures, and other disruptions to the public. Unfortunately, there can be substantial impacts of fire on outdoor recreation now and into the future.

As containment increases, the public often asks when area and road closures will be lifted. This is especially true in popular recreating and hunting areas. It’s important to note that containment does not mean a fire is out, or that the danger has passed. Containment percentage doesn’t correlate to safety level within the fire. The fire continues to burn within the interior for many weeks. Even after active burning has dissipated, the effects of a wildfire on a watershed can be substantial, causing immediate issues and long term effects. Rates of erosion and runoff can increase to dangerous levels following wildfires.

Due to the immediate and long-term risks to both the public and the land, closures often remain in place long after containment is reached. This keeps the public safe and gives the land a chance to heal. All decisions on road and area closures are made by the local agencies that manages the roads and lands. In this case, the BLM Grand Junction Field Office will decide when it is safe to update the area closure in the Pine Gulch Fire area. They will coordinate with Fire mangers, Colorado Division of Wildlife, other state agencies, and local jurisdictions to determine this change. As always, safety of the public and our firefighters is the greatest factor in these decisions.

Pine Gulch Fire statistics:
Size: approximately 134,999 acres
Containment: 47%
Total personnel: 907
Location: Approximately 18 miles north of Grand Junction, CO
Reported: July 31, approximately 5:15 p.m.
Cause: Lightning

Current situation: As wind increased yesterday afternoon, fire activity intensified in Division F in the uncontained horseshoe-shaped area just east of the 267 Road. As the inversion lifted, the fire became plume-dominated; these plumes were very visible from surrounding areas. Fire has established itself in this bowl, moving up Corral Canyon and onto the ridge near Long Point. Fire has not moved into the upper Roan Creek drainage.

There will be heavy aircraft presence in this area today, helping to slow fire progression as crews and dozer operators work to reinforce, connect, and construct the pre-identified control lines north of the fire front. Firefighters will utilize logging equipment to remove heavy fuels in this area, and four more hand crews will arrive today to assist with hand line construction in Division F. Fire managers are constantly evaluating this area for options to engage the fire more aggressively; however, firefighter safety will always remain the number one priority. Indirect tactics are still most appropriate until the fire moves into terrain that poses less risk to firefighters.
Firefighters north of the 256 Road in Divisions G, F, and L are continuing to assess structures and implement protection measures.

Last night in Division E, crews conducted more successful burning operations near Hwy 139. They worked from just north of the coal mine area (between mile markers 19 and 20) up for two and a half miles where they tied into previous burning operations. The entire area along Hwy 139 is holding well, and firefighters will secure and mop-up this edge today.
Fire activity has been minimal along the west edge in Division B, and crews will monitor for any changes. At the Division B/A break near the Hunter Burn scar, fire activity was minimal yesterday. Firefighters will closely monitor this area again today, as outflow winds could contribute to an increase in fire behavior.

Division K on the north is still holding well, and a small amount of containment or “black line” was added to the map heading west along the 204. Today, crews will secure and mop up along the 204 as it moves west toward the Division K/E break.

Weather & fuel conditions: Thunderstorms will be in the area again today starting from 2 p.m. and going through midnight. Storms could bring lightning and outflow winds up to 25 mph. There is a 10% chance of rainfall and chances are increasing throughout the week. Temperature highs are 87-91 with relative humidity increasing to 15-18%. Increasing moisture brings with it increasing chance of thunderstorms throughout the week. Winds today will be northeast, turning north, then northwest, 7-9 mph with gusts to 14; however, there could also be a west to southwest component as inversions break. Two inversions are present today, one in the low levels that breaks in the late morning, and a stronger inversion aloft that is holding until roughly 4 p.m. As the higher inversion breaks, it will allow winds to make their way into the canyons. Fuels remain dry and receptive to burning and spotting.

Evacuations: Garfield County: 4A Ridge Road (256), Salt Wash (205), King Road (258), Clear Creek Road (211), Carr Creek Road (207), Kimball Creek Road (202). A pre-evacuation order is in effect for all residents of Garfield County west of CO-139 to the Utah border, and any formerly evacuated residents remain in pre-evacuation. For more information: www.garfieldcounty.net. There are currently no pre-evacuations or evacuations in Mesa County.

Closures: Roan Creek Road (204) at North Dry Fork (200). The V 2/10 Rd. at the 44 Rd, Coal Canyon Rd. just past the Cameo Shooting Range. The 21 Road north of the BLM boundary, 16 Road at V 8/10 Road, and the Q 5/10 Road is closed at 18 Rd. CO-139 Douglas Pass north of Loma from mile marker 6 to mile marker 39. BLM lands north of Loma, Fruita, Grand Junction, and Palisade. Please see: www.tinyurl.com/PineGulchBLM.

Air quality: Air Quality Health Advisories may be issued in areas near the Pine Gulch and Grizzly Creek fires. A smoke outlook for the Pine Gulch Fire is available where this update is posted and at https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/WesternColorado. For more information on smoke levels, please visit https://airnow.gov.

Emergency alerts: For Garfield County, please visit garco911.com. Mesa County alerts, please visit bit.ly/Emergency_Alerts.

Temporary flight restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Pine Gulch Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

For more information:
Information office: (970) 628-0130, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Media inquiries: (970) 812-3706, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Email: 2020.PineGulch@firenet.gov
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6906/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/PineGulchFireCO
Interactive fire map: https://arcg.is/W0izr
Smoke outlook: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/WesternColorado

Resources include: 3 Type 1 hand crews, 9 Type 2 hand crews, 8 helicopters, 69 engines, 14 bulldozers, 24 water tenders, and overhead/support personnel.

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Pine Gulch Fire en 135,000 acres, 47 por ciento de contención

Actualización del Fuego Pine Gulch
Agosto 25, 2020 – 10 a.m.

Estadísticas del Fuego Pine Gulch:
Tamaño: 134,999 acres
Contención: 47%
Personal total: 907
Ubicación: Aproximadamente 18 miles al norte de Grand Junction, CO
Reportado: July 31, aproximadamente 5:15 p.m.
Causa: Relámpago

Situación actual: A medida que aumentaba el viento ayer por la tarde, la actividad de incendios se intensificó en la División F en el área al este de la carretera 267. A medida que se elevaba la inversión, el comportamiento del fuego en esta área se aumentó; estas plumas se podían ver desde las áreas circundantes. El fuego se ha establecido en ésta area, subiendo por Corral Canyon y hacia la cresta cerca de Long Point. El fuego no se ha trasladado al drenaje superior de Roan Creek. Habrá presencia de aviones pesados en esta área hoy, lo que ayudará a ralentizar la progresión del fuego a medida que los equipos de bomberos y los operadores de topadoras trabajan para reforzar, y construir las líneas de control al norte del frente de fuego. Los bomberos utilizarán equipo pesado para eliminar los combustibles pesados en esta área, y cuatro equipos de bomberos llegarán hoy para ayudar con la construcción de la línea en la División F. Los gerentes de bomberos están evaluando constantemente esta área en busca de opciones para atacar el fuego de manera más agresiva; sin embargo, la seguridad de los bomberos siempre será la prioridad número uno. Las tácticas indirectas siguen siendo las más apropiadas hasta que el fuego mueva a un terreno que presenta menos riesgo para los bomberos.

Los bomberos trabajando al norte de la carretera 256 en las divisiones G, F y L continúan evaluando estructuras e implementando medidas de protección.

Anoche en la División E, los equipos llevaron a cabo operaciones de quema más exitosas cerca de la Hwy 139. Trabajaron desde el norte del área de la mina de carbón (entre los marcadores de milla 19 y 20) hasta dos millas y media, donde se relacionaron con operaciones de quema anteriores. Toda el área a lo largo de la Hwy 139 se mantiene bien, y los bomberos asegurarán y limpiarán este borde hoy.

El comportamiento del fuego ha sido mínima a lo largo del borde oeste en la División B, y los bomberos monitorearán si hay un cambio. Entre las Divisiónes B / A, cerca de la cicatriz de Hunter Burn, el comportamiento del fuego fue mínima ayer. Los bomberos monitorearán esta área nuevamente hoy, ya que los vientos podrían contribuir a un aumento en el comportamiento del fuego.

La División K en el norte todavía se mantiene bien, y se agregó una pequeña cantidad de contención o “línea negra” al mapa en dirección oeste a lo largo de la 204. Hoy, los bomberos asegurarán y limpiarán a lo largo de la 204 a medida que avanza hacia el oeste hacia la División. Descanso K / E.

Condiciones meteorológicas y del combustible: hoy habrá tormentas eléctricas en el área a partir de las 2 p.m. y pasando hasta la medianoche. Las tormentas pueden traer relámpagos y vientos de salida de hasta 25 mph. Hay un 10% de probabilidad de lluvia y las probabilidades aumentarán durante la semana. Los máximos de temperatura son 87-91 con humedad relativa aumentando a 15-18%. El aumento de la humedad trae consigo una mayor probabilidad de tormentas eléctricas durante la semana. Los vientos de hoy serán del noreste, girando al norte, luego al noroeste, 7-9 mph con ráfagas de 14; sin embargo, también podría haber un componente de oeste a suroeste a medida que se rompen las inversiones. Hoy hay dos inversiones, una en los niveles bajos que se rompe a las 11 de la mañana y una inversión más fuerte que se mantiene hasta aproximadamente las 4 p.m. A medida que se rompa la inversión más alta, permitirá que los vientos entren en los cañones. Los combustibles permanecen secos y receptivos al fuego.

Evacuaciones: Condado de Garfield: 4A Ridge Road (256), Salt Wash (205), King Road (258), Clear Creek Road (211), Carr Creek Road (207), Kimball Creek Road (202). Una orden previa a la evacuación está en vigor para todos los residentes del condado de Garfield al oeste de CO-139 hacia la frontera de Utah, y cualquier residente que haya sido evacuado permanece en situación previa a la evacuación. Para obtener más información: www.garfieldcounty.net. Actualmente no hay evacuaciones previas o evacuaciones en el condado de Mesa: www.sheriff.mesacounty.us/FireInformation.

Cierres: Roan Creek Road (204) en North Dry Fork (200). La V 2/10 Rd. en la 44 Rd, Coal Canyon Rd. justo después del campo de tiro de Cameo. La carretera 21 al norte del límite de BLM, la carretera 16 en la carretera V 8/10 y la carretera Q 5/10 están cerradas en 18 Rd. CO-139 Douglas Pass al norte de Loma desde la milla 6 hasta la milla 39. BLM aterriza al norte de Loma, Fruita, Grand Junction y Palisade. Consulte: www.tinyurl.com/PineGulchBLM

Calidad del aire: Se pueden emitir avisos de salud sobre la calidad del aire en áreas cercanas a los incendios de Pine Gulch y Grizzly Creek. Una perspectiva de humo para Pine Gulch Fire está disponible donde se publica esta actualización y en https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/WesternColorado. Para obtener más información sobre los niveles de humo, visite https://airnow.gov

Alertas de emergencia: para el condado de Garfield, visite garco911.com. Alertas del condado de Mesa, visite bit.ly/Emergency_Alerts.

Restricciones de vuelo temporales: Hay una restricción de vuelo temporal sobre el incendio de Pine Gulch. Los incendios forestales son una zona prohibida para los drones. Si vuela, no podemos. Para obtener más información, visite http://knowbeforeyoufly.org

Para mas información:
Officina: (970) 628-0130, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Consultas de los medios: (970) 812-3706, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Corro Electrónico: 2020.PineGulch@firenet.gov
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6906/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/PineGulchFireCO
Mapa Interactivo: https://arcg.is/W0izr
Perspectiva de humo: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/WesternColorado

Los Recursos Incluyen: 3 equipos de bomberos de tipo 1, 9 Equipos de bomberos de tipo 2, 8 helicópteros, 69 camiones de bombero, 14 topadores, 24 camiones de agua, y varias personas de apoyo.

8.20.20, 1:44 p.m. – Bureau of Land Management: Area closure notice
BLM lands north of Loma, Fruita, Grand Junction and Palisade, starting at the Bookcliffs. This includes North Fruita Desert SRMA Campground; west and north of DeBeque on CR-204 and CR-211; from this point north on Rio Blanco CR-26A to intersection with CR-103; due west from CR-28 to CR-27; north on CR-27 to HWY 139; south on HWY 139 to Trail Canyon BLM RD 1056; south on BLM RD 1056 towards Atchee; following Demeree Canyon south; crossing HWY 139 and west to base of Bookcliffs.

8.20.20, 10:35 a.m. – special notes: There is Red Flag Warning today for dry lighting and outflow winds that could reach gusts of 45 mph.

There will be a virtual public meeting livestreamed at 6 p.m. TONIGHT, August 20. Please go to Facebook, @PineGulchFireCO to participate, or you can find the link for a ZOOM meeting on our Facebook page and InciWeb. To utilize ZOOM, enter this code and password: Webinar ID: 989 2688 9534; Passcode: 8675309

Garfield county issued additional evacuation orders yesterday, August 19 for residents east of Hwy 139, as well as pre-evacuations west of Hwy 139 to the Utah border. Please go to: www.garfieldcounty.net for detailed information. There are currently no pre-evacuations or evacuations in Mesa County: www.sheriff.mesacounty.us/FireInformation

Pine Gulch Fire statistics:
Size: approximately 121,781 acres
Containment: 14%
Total personnel: 872
Location: Approximately 18 miles north of Grand Junction, CO
Reported: July 31, approximately 5:15 p.m.
Cause: Lightning

Current situation: Fire growth was minimal overnight. More accurate mapping has now shown the total fire area to be 121,781 acres, as opposed to the formerly reported 125,100. Firefighters have made significant progress on the north and east sides; total containment is now 14%. Today’s main concern will be storm cells moving over the fire area from around 12 p.m. to midnight and producing gusty outflow winds up to 45 mph. These winds could contribute to extreme fire behavior and active spread with potential for spotting. Along with storm concerns, the inversion is expected to break early – approximately 12 p.m. – creating further instability in the atmosphere.

Today, crews will be working on both primary and alternate pre-identified control lines. On the south side at the Division B/A break, fire is moving slowly toward a solid dozer line that extends into the Hunter Fire burn scar. Fire behavior in this area and in the rest of Division B was limited yesterday, but it could be more significant today and tonight because of incoming weather. Today, crews in Division B will focus on assessments and protection measures for structures to the southwest of the fire. Firefighters are patrolling on the west side of the fire in Division D, monitoring for any changes in fire behavior. The west side is expansive, challenging country where it is difficult to safely insert firefighters. Indirect options will remain the primary tactic in this area, and crews will assess for any structure protection needs. Firefighters in Divisions E and F on the west and northwest will also focus on indirect options, as direct fire line construction is not a safe option. Hwy 139 remains the primary control feature here, from Division D north to Douglas Pass. In the coming days, crews may utilize burning operations to remove fuel between Hwy 139 and the fire, which is approximately two and a half to three miles from Hwy 139 at this time. Crews in Division F are assessing for protection options for structures and infrastructure at the top of Douglas Pass. Firefighters in Division F and L north of the fire will keep scouting for additional indirect options that present the highest probability of success with the lowest exposure to firefighters. When these options are validated, more secondary control line construction will begin to the north. The control line in Division K at the fire’s northeast edge continues to hold well even when tested by wind. Firefighters have had great success in preventing the fire from crossing the 204 Rd. Divisions Z and A remain in patrol and monitor status. Firefighters are mopping up and securing the fire’s edge and expect to achieve more containment soon.

Weather & fuel conditions: There is Red Flag Warning today for dry lighting and outflow winds. There is a chance of thunderstorms after 2 p.m. with lighting and outflow winds up to 45 mph. Thunderstorm development is most likely to the northwest of the fire. The hot and dry weather will continue as high pressure remains the dominant weather feature, with temperatures as high as 95 and humidity at 12-14%. Winds will be northerly at 9-12 mph with gusts to 20. The southwest side of the fire could see south/southwest winds again today.

Evacuations:
Garfield County: 4A Ridge Road (256), Salt Wash (205), King Road (258), Clear Creek Road (211), Carr Creek Road (207), Kimball Creek Road (202). A pre-evacuation order is in effect for all residents of Garfield County west of CO-139 to the Utah border, and any formerly evacuated residents remain in pre-evacuation. For more information: www.garfieldcounty.net. There are currently no pre-evacuations or evacuations in Mesa County: www.sheriff.mesacounty.us/FireInformation.
Closures: Roan Creek Road (204) at North Dry Fork (200) road has a staffed closure. Due to increased fire activity north of Fruita, several other roads have been closed. These include 21 Road north of the BLM boundary, 16 Road at V 8/10 Road, and the Q 5/10 Road is closed at 18 Rd. CO-139 Douglas Pass north of Loma from mile marker 6 to mile marker 39.

Air quality: Air Quality Health Advisories may be issued in areas near the Pine Gulch and Grizzly Creek fires. A smoke outlook for the Pine Gulch Fire is available where this update is posted and at https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/WesternColorado. For more information on smoke levels, please visit https://airnow.gov.

Emergency alerts: For Garfield County, please visit garco911.com. Mesa County alerts, please visit bit.ly/Emergency_Alerts.

Temporary flight restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Pine Gulch Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

For More Information:
Information Office: (970) 628-0130, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Media Inquiries: (970) 812-3706, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Email: 2020.PineGulch@firenet.gov
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6906/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/PineGulchFireCO
Interactive Fire Map: https://arcg.is/W0izr
Smoke Outlook: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/WesternColorado

Resources Include: 4 Type 1 hand crews, 6 Type 2 hand crews, 9 helicopters, 106 engines, 3 bulldozers, 5 water tenders, and overhead/support personnel.

________________________________________________________________

Actualización del Fuego Pine Gulch
Agosto 20, 2020 – 10 a.m.

Equipo de Gestión de Incidentes de Rocky Mountain – Tipo 1 – Dan Dallas, Comandante del Incidente
Centro de información: (970) 628-0130, 8 a.m .– 8 p.m.
Consultas de los medios: (970) 812-3706, de 8 a.m. a 8 p.m.

Habrá una reunión pública virtual transmitida en vivo a las 6 p.m. ESTA NOCHE, 20 de Agosto. Vaya a Facebook, @PineGulchFireCO para participar. Tambien, puede participar por Zoom. Para utilizar ZOOM, ingrese este código y contraseña: ID: 989 2688 9534 Contraseña: 8675309

El condado de Garfield emitió órdenes de evacuación adicionales ayer 19 de Agosto para los residentes al este de la Hwy 139, así como evacuaciones previas al oeste de la Hwy 139 hasta la borde de Utah. Visite: www.garfieldcounty.net para obtener información detallada. Actualmente no hay evacuaciones previas o evacuaciones en el condado de Mesa: www.sheriff.mesacounty.us/FireInformation

Situación actual: El crecimiento del fuego fue mínimo durante la noche. Un mapeo más preciso ahora ha mostrado que el área total del incendio es de 121,781 acres, a diferencia de los 125,100 reportados anteriormente. Los bomberos han logrado un progreso significativo en los lados norte y este; la contención total es ahora del 14%. La preocupación principal de hoy serán las celdas de tormenta que se muevan sobre el área del incendio alrededor de las 12 p.m. hasta la medianoche y produciendo ráfagas de viento de hasta 45 mph. Estos vientos podrían contribuir al comportamiento del fuego extremo y la propagación activa. Junto con las preocupaciones por la tormenta, se espera que la inversión se rompa temprano, aproximadamente a las 12 p.m. – creando más inestabilidad en la atmósfera.

Hoy, los equipos estarán trabajando en líneas de control preidentificadas tanto primarias como alternativas. En el lado sur, entre las Divisiónes B / A, el fuego se mueve lentamente hacia una línea de topadora sólida que se extiende hasta la cicatriz de quemaduras de Hunter Fire. El comportamiento del fuego en esta área y en el resto de la División B fue limitado ayer, pero podría ser más significativo hoy y esta noche debido al clima entrante. Hoy, los equipos de la División B se concentrarán en evaluaciones y medidas de protección para las estructuras al suroeste del incendio. Los bomberos están patrullando en el lado oeste del incendio en la División D, monitoreando cualquier cambio en el comportamiento del fuego. El lado oeste es terreno expansivo y desafiante donde es difícil colocar bomberos de manera segura. Las opciones indirectas seguirán siendo la táctica principal en esta área, y los bomberos evaluarán las necesidades de protección de la estructura. Los bomberos en las Divisiones E y F en el oeste y noroeste también se enfocarán en opciones indirectas, ya que la construcción de líneas de fuego directas no es una opción segura. Hwy 139 sigue siendo la característica de control principal aquí, desde la División D al norte hasta Douglas Pass. En los próximos días, los bomberos pueden utilizar operaciones de quema para reducir el combustible entre la Hwy 139 y el incendio, que se encuentra aproximadamente de dos millas a tres millas de la Hwy 139 en este momento. Los equipos de la División F están evaluando opciones de protección para estructuras e infraestructura en la parte superior de Douglas Pass. Los bomberos de la División F y L al norte del incendio seguirán buscando opciones indirectas adicionales que presenten la mayor probabilidad de éxito con la menor exposición a los bomberos. Cuando se validan estas opciones, se iniciará la construcción de más líneas de control secundarias hacia el norte. La línea de control en la División K en el borde noreste del incendio continúa manteniéndose bien incluso cuando es probada por el viento. Los bomberos han tenido un gran éxito en evitar que el fuego cruce la 204 Rd. Las Divisiones Z y A permanecen en estado de vigilancia y patrulla. Los bomberos están limpiando y asegurando el borde del fuego y esperan lograr más contención pronto.

Condiciones climáticas y de combustible: Hoy hay una advertencia de bandera roja por relámpago seca y vientos fuertes. Existe la posibilidad de tormentas eléctricas después de las 2 p.m. con relámpago y vientos fuertes de hasta 45 mph. El desarrollo de tormentas eléctricas es más probable al noroeste del incendio. El clima cálido y seco continuará ya que la alta presión sigue siendo la característica climática dominante, con temperaturas tan altas como 95 y humedad entre 12 y 14%. Los vientos serán del norte a 9-12 mph con ráfagas de 20. El lado suroeste del fuego podría ver vientos del sur / suroeste nuevamente hoy.

Evacuaciones: Condado de Garfield: 4A Ridge Road (256), Salt Wash (205), King Road (258), Clear Creek Road (211), Carr Creek Road (207), Kimball Creek Road (202). Una orden de pre-evacuación está en vigor para todos los residentes del condado de Garfield al oeste de CO-139 hacia la frontera de Utah, y cualquier residente que haya sido evacuado permanece en situación pre-evacuación. Para obtener más información: www.garfieldcounty.net. Actualmente no hay evacuaciones previas o evacuaciones en el condado de Mesa: www.sheriff.mesacounty.us/FireInformation. Cierres: Roan Creek Road (204) en North Dry Fork (200) tiene un cierre con personal. Debido al aumento de la actividad de incendios al norte de Fruita, se han cerrado varias otras carreteras. Estos incluyen 21 Road al norte del límite de BLM, 16 Road en V 8/10 Road, y Q 5/10 Road está cerrada en 18 Rd. CO-139 Douglas Pass al norte de Loma desde la milla 6 hasta la milla 39.

Calidad del aire: Se pueden emitir avisos de salud sobre la calidad del aire en áreas cercanas a los incendios de Pine Gulch y Grizzly Creek. Una perspectiva de humo para Pine Gulch Fire está disponible donde se publica esta actualización y en https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/WesternColorado. Para obtener más información sobre los niveles de humo, visite https://airnow.gov

Alertas de emergencia: para el condado de Garfield, visite garco911.com. Alertas del condado de Mesa, visite bit.ly/Emergency_Alerts.

Restricciones de vuelo temporales: Hay una restricción de vuelo temporal sobre el incendio de Pine Gulch. Los incendios forestales son una zona prohibida para los drones. Si vuela, no podemos. Para obtener más información, visite http://knowbeforeyoufly.org

Estadísticas del Fuego Pine Gulch:
Tamaño: 121,781 acres
Contención: 14%
Personal total: 872
Ubicación: Aproximadamente 18 miles al norte de Grand Junction, CO
Reportado: July 31, aproximadamente 5:15 p.m.
Causa: Relámpago
Para mas información:
Officina: (970) 628-0130, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Consultas de los medios: (970) 812-3706, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Corro Electrónico: 2020.PineGulch@firenet.gov
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6906/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/PineGulchFireCO
Mapa Interactivo: https://arcg.is/W0izr
Perspectiva de humo: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/WesternColorado

Los Recursos Incluyen: 4 equipos de bomberos de tipo 1, 6 Equipos de bomberos de tipo 2, 9 helicópteros, 106 camiones de bombero, 3 topadores, 5 camiones de agua, y varias personas de apoyo.

GCSO: ADDITIONAL EVACUATIONS ORDERED FOR PINE GULCH FIRE

8.19.20, 2:50 p.m. – Current evacuations in effect by the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office – evacuation orders are now going into effect for areas on the northwest side of Pine Gulch Fire, as follows:

• Evacuation orders are now going into effect for areas on the northwest side of Pine Gulch Fire.
• Roan Creek Road (CR 204) above Brush Creek Road (CR 209).
• Kimball Creek Road (CR 202) above the 5.5 mile marker.
• Carr Creek Road (CR 207) above the 5.5 mile marker.
• From the Mesa County line north to the east/west Colorado Highway 256 (Four A Ridge Road) including north/south CO Highway 256. Highways 256 and 205 moving from pre-evacuation to full evacuation.
• From Highway 139 (Douglas Pass Road) east to the pre-existing evacuation order for Carr Creek Road (CR 207).
• This includes CO Highway 205 Salt Wash and Kimball Creek Road (CR 202) on Kimball Mountain.
• CO Highway 258 (King Road) is evacuated.

Pine Gulch Fire update
August 19, 2020 – 10 a.m.

Pine Gulch Fire statistics:
Size: approximately 125,100 acres
Containment: 7%
Total personnel: 892
Location: Approximately 18 miles north of Grand Junction, CO
Reported: July 31, approximately 5:15 p.m.
Cause: Lightning

Special notes: Per Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, a pre-evacuation order has been issued for the areas of County Road 205, Kimball Mountain Road and CR 256 in between Kimball Mountain road and Browns Point. For more info: www.garfieldcounty.net.

Evacuations have been lifted for Pine Gulch Fire area residents along CR 204 (Roan Creek Rd.) who live below Brush Creek Rd.

Current situation: During the overnight hours, the Pine Gulch Fire meteorologist notified night shift firefighters of a thunderstorm cell moving over the fire and coming into alignment with terrain at the western fire edge. Strong outflow winds from this cell aligned with drainages in the Echo Lake area and gusted up to 40 mph over a three-to-four-hour period. While all firefighters were able to get to safety and endure this weather event, it created extreme and erratic fire behavior, causing significant growth. The total acreage on the Pine Gulch Fire is now estimated to be just over 125,000. Fire behavior specialists report that the combination of extremely dry fuels, low relative humidity, high temperatures, and terrain driven winds may continue to create extreme fire behavior that is resistant to suppression efforts. There is potential for similar thunderstorm cells to pass over the fire area this afternoon and into the night.

Fire managers have planned to extend pre-identified primary and alternate control lines to the north and west of the fire. They will be utilizing Hwy 139 and the existing roads to the northwest and north of the fire perimeter (256, 207, 209). Firefighters have been successfully preparing these roads over the past several days in the event they were needed. Firefighters will implement point protection on values that exist between the fire and the containment roads. Today, crews on the west will work to secure the fire’s edge. If fire behavior necessitates and conditions allow, crews will perform burning operations to remove fuel ahead of the fire front. Air resources will support firefighters on the ground as weather permits. Structure protection groups will begin assessing structures to the west and north of the fire. Overall priorities remain on protecting values and choosing control options that provide for the highest probability of success given expected fire behavior.

Yesterday in Division B on the south/southwest side, fire activity increased in Hunter Canyon. Fire behavior specialists note that this is beneficial; the fire will eliminate fuel and burn into natural features (the Hunter Fire burn scar and the Book Cliffs), thus containing itself. Crews have completed the indirect dozer line leading into the burn scar in this area. On the western side of Division B, fire became active yesterday, moving toward control lines. Firefighters utilized air tankers to drop retardant, slowing the fire’s advance and allowing them to perform successful burning operations that removed fuel ahead of the fire front.

Firefighters’ work is proving effective in Divisions A and Z on the east of the fire, where control line remains solid. The fire along the eastern perimeter has not advanced for days, and the area remains in patrol and monitor status. Pockets of unburned fuel in the interior may burn more actively today, so smoke may still be visible on the east side.

In Division K on the north, there is solid containment line running all along the north perimeter. Today, crews will improve this dozer line, plumb the area (lay down hoses and water supply) and begin mop-up efforts (using water and hand tools to continue cooling hot areas.)

Last night, the National Preparedness Level elevated to 5, the highest level, due to increasing fire activity across the country. This creates competition for resources. Pine Gulch Fire managers are strongly advocating for this fire’s needs; however, acquiring all needed resources remains a challenge.

Weather & fuel conditions: It will be another hot, dry day with highs in the low 90s and relative humidity10-12%. Winds will be out of the N to NW, with speeds of 5 to 9 mph and gusts up to 16 mph. High pressure remains, and there is a potential for thunderstorms starting around 2 p.m. with no precipitation predicted. Lightning is possible, and outflow winds could create strong gusts of 20-30 mph that contribute to more unpredictable and erratic fire behavior.

Evacuations: Garfield County: Carr Creek (207) road, CR 202. Pre-evacuations: the areas of County Road 205, Kimball Mountain Road and CR 256 in between Kimball Mountain Road and Browns Point. For more information: https://www.garfieldcounty.net/. Closures: Roan Creek Road (204) at North Dry Fork (200) road has a staffed closure. Due to increased fire activity north of Fruita, several other roads have been closed. These include 21 Road north of the BLM boundary, 16 Road at V 8/10 Road, and the Q 5/10 Road is closed at 18 Rd.

Air quality: Air Quality Health Advisories may be issued in areas near the Pine Gulch and Grizzly Creek fires. A smoke outlook for the Pine Gulch Fire is available where this update is posted and at https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/WesternColorado. For more information on smoke levels, please visit https://airnow.gov.

Emergency alerts: For Garfield County, please visit garco911.com. Mesa County alerts, please visit bit.ly/Emergency_Alerts.

Temporary flight restrictions: A temporary flight restriction is in place over the Pine Gulch Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

For more information:
Information office: (970) 628-0130, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Media inquiries: (970) 812-3706, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Email: 2020.PineGulch@firenet.gov
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6906/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/PineGulchFireCO
Interactive fire map: https://arcg.is/W0izr
Smoke outlook: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/WesternColorado

Resources include: 4 Type 1 hand crews, 11 Type 2 hand crews, 9 helicopters, 57 engines, 10 bulldozers,
18 water tenders, and overhead/support personnel

Pine Gulch Fire statistics:
Size: 87,209 acres
Containment: 7%
Total Personnel: 824
Location: Approximately 18 miles north of Grand Junction, CO
Reported: July 31, approximately 5:15 p.m.
Cause: Lightning

8.18.20, 5:56 p.m. – Garfield County Sheriff’s Office: Evacuations are lifted for Pine Gulch Fire area residents along County Road 204 who live below Clear Creek Road. A few residences on side roads off of CR 204 may not have power until tomorrow, as crews continue to restore and re-energize the power lines. CR 204 is open to residents only to Brush Creek Road or CR 209. The community dumpster for food disposal is behind Cowboy Chapel on Clear Creek. Returning residents will still remain on pre-evacuation in the event that further evacuations are needed.

Remaining in evacuation are County Road 204 residents above County Road 209, as well as County Road 207 and 202/Kimball Creek Road above the 5.5 mile marker.

______________________________________________________________________

8.18.20, 5:56 p.m. – Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Garfield: Se levantan las evacuaciones para los residentes del área de Pine Gulch Fire a lo largo de County Road 204 que viven debajo de Clear Creek Road. Es posible que algunas residencias en las carreteras laterales de la CR 204 no tengan electricidad hasta mañana, ya que los equipos continúan restaurando y reactivando las líneas eléctricas. La CR 204 está abierta a los residentes solo en Brush Creek Road o CR 209. El contenedor de basura comunitario para la eliminación de alimentos está detrás de Cowboy Chapel en Clear Creek. Los residentes que regresen seguirán estando en pre-evacuación en caso de que se necesiten más evacuaciones.

Quedan en evacuación los residentes de County Road 204 sobre County Road 209, así como County Road 207 y 202 / Kimball Creek Road sobre el marcador de 5.5 millas.

8.18.20, 10:56 a.m. – Current situation: Fire behavior will likely be active and challenging again today as winds continue to align with drainages and burn in areas containing critically dry fuels. Fire behavior specialists measure moisture levels in fuels to assess how easily they will ignite and how well they will burn. Many of the large diameter fuels (heavy logs) in the Pine Gulch area are at 8% moisture content. For comparison, this update – in its printed paper form – would be about 6%. The finer, smaller fuels in the Pine Gulch Fire area have about 2% moisture content. Residents should again expect to see smoke columns in several areas of the fire today.

Firefighters conducted a precise burning operation in a small area west of the fire yesterday in efforts to control the spread of the fire to the NW. Because of the extremely dry fuels as discussed above, fire behavior became more active than desired, and about 100 acres of fire crossed a control line in the Mud Creek area of Division E. Conditions allowing, aircraft will work to help check this fire’s edge while fire managers look for options to insert ground crews safely into this difficult terrain. Crews in Division E have improved the indirect line running north-south on the ridgeline just west of the fire’s edge. Today, crews will look for more options to connect control line from the 204 Rd. north into the 256 Rd. To the north of Division E, crews in Divisions F and L will continue creating secondary lines, utilizing existing road systems. Firefighters in Division K on the north will keep improving the dozer line near the Division E/K break and will monitor the northern edge of the fire. On the east side of the fire in Divisions Z and A, control line is holding well, and these areas are in patrol and monitor status. On the southern edge of Division A, firefighters will keep improving the dozer line that heads SW into the Hunter Fire burn scar and continue control line construction west into the new Division B. (Division B is approximately where Division D was yesterday, and Division D is now on the west side.) Active fire behavior persists in Division B. Much of the topography here is steep and rugged with heavy fuels, narrow canyons, and unsatisfactory escape routes. It is not safe for firefighters and, therefore, not conducive to direct line construction at the fire’s edge. Crews are focusing on options for indirect control line. They are working with road systems and natural features that will help limit spread as the fire progresses south/southwest. Residents will likely see significant smoke in Divisions B and D today as the fire keeps consuming fuels here as predicted.

Yesterday, LATs (Large Air Tankers) and VLATs (Very Large Air Tankers) flew in the Divisions E/K areas, laying down retardant to help slow fire spread. LATs will be available again today if smoke conditions allow them to fly.

The Pine Gulch Fire remains heavily staffed at night; crews are patrolling control lines and monitoring nighttime fire behavior. They will implement suppression and protection efforts as needed. Nighttime fire glow may be visible even in Grand Junction.

Weather & fuel conditions: High pressure remains, keeping the weather pattern somewhat stagnant. The fire will see the same northerly flow overall, with the same southerly component on the SW corner. Winds will be 7-9 mph with gusts up to 15, with the potential for outflow winds starting around 7 p.m. Temperature highs are forecast at 96 with relative humidity 9-11%.

Evacuations: Garfield County: Clear Creek (211) road, Carr Creek (207) road, Brush Creek (209) road, CR 202. For more information: https://www.garfieldcounty.net/. 

Closures: Roan Creek Road (204) at North Dry Fork (200) road has a staffed closure. Due to increased fire activity north of Fruita, several other roads have been closed. These include 21 Road north of the BLM boundary, 16 Road at V 8/10 Road, and the Q 5/10 Road is closed at 18 Rd.

Air quality: Air Quality Health Advisories may be issued in areas near the Pine Gulch and Grizzly Creek fires. A smoke outlook for the Pine Gulch Fire is available where this update is posted and at https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/WesternColorado. For more information on smoke levels, please visit https://airnow.gov.

Emergency alerts: For Garfield County, please visit garco911.com. Mesa County alerts, please visit bit.ly/Emergency_Alerts.

Temporary flight restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Pine Gulch Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

For more information:

Information office: (970) 628-0130, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Media Inquiries: (970) 812-3706, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Email: 2020.PineGulch@firenet.gov
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6906/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/PineGulchFireCO
Interactive Fire Map: https://arcg.is/W0izr
Smoke Outlook: https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/WesternColorado

Resources Include: 4 Type 1 hand crews, 9 Type 2 hand crews, 9 helicopters, 56 engines, 9 bulldozers, 18 water tenders, and overhead/support personnel