Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit
The Spring Creek near Parachute, CO.
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.
Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit Type 3 Team
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.
Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit
Today at 6 am, the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Team Two transferred command of the Spring Creek Fire to the local Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit Type 3 team. Updates will continue though the official Spring Creek Fire Facebook page. The Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team truly enjoyed serving Garfield County the past two weeks and appreciates the hospitality and support.
Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit
June 28, 2023, 12:08 p.m. – The Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team 2 assumed command of the Spring Creek Fire southwest of Parachute, Colorado.
The Spring Creek Fire now has an official fire Facebook page: Spring Creek Fire. All updates and current information will now be posted to the official fire Facebook page and the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit will resume normal activities, including any new fire starts or information.
The Spring Creek Fire also has an official inciweb page for current fire information.
We thank our community, partners, and mutual aid for all the support during the initial stages of the Spring Creek Fire.
Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit
June 27, 6:40 p.m. – The Spring Creek Fire did not grow much today despite Red Flag conditions. The most recent mapping shows the perimeter is 2,577 acres, and it’s 5 percent contained. A complex incident management team will assume management of the fire tomorrow morning. Updates are posted on Facebook.
The White River National Forest and Bureau of Land Management have issued closures for the Spring Creek Fire area for firefighter and public safety.
Visit www.garco911.com to sign up for Garfield County emergency alerts, including evacuation notices.
Spring Creek Fire minimal growthSpring Creek Fire closure area
Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit
June 27, 2023, 1:58 p.m. – Spring Creek Fire update from Operations Section Chief Hugh Fairfield-Smith of the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit.
Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit
Yesterday, the Spring Creek Fire aligned with topography, fuels, and wind that resulted in the extreme fire behavior and rapid growth. Incident updates on Facebook
Resources continue to arrive in preparation for another Red Flag day and similar conditions as yesterday.
Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2 is in route to support the efforts.
Emergency alerts: Sign up for emergency alerts through the Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority at Garco911.com. Once registered, you will receive either voice or text notifications about any potential safety hazard that could affect your area. Log in now and update your contact information.
View multi-agency press releases online at garfieldcounty.net. Subscribe to email alerts from the Garfield County Emergency Operations Center for emergency information from agencies managing incidents.
Alertas de emergencia: Inscríbase en Garco911.com para recibir alertas de emergencias a través de la Autoridad de comunicaciones de emergencia del condado de Garfield. Una vez que esté inscrito, recibirá notificaciones por voz o texto sobre posibles riesgos para la seguridad que podrían afectar a su área. Inicie sesión ahora y actualice su información de contacto.
Vea en línea los comunicados de prensa de varias agencias en garfieldcounty.net. Suscríbase para recibir alertas por correo electrónico del Centro de operaciones de emergencia del condado de Garfield para recibir información de emergencia de las agencias que gestionan los incidentes.
Updates will be posted as soon as more information is available. Thank you for all the support from the community. As a reminder, firefighters, crews, and Incident Management Teams are well supported and cannot accept donations.
Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit
June 26, 9:26 pm – Today was a busy day, the Spring Creek Fire saw significant growth due to high winds and heavy fuels, and is now estimated to be around 3000 acres.
There are no evacuations at this time, but with the extreme fire behavior, we encourage people to sign up with Garfield County emergency notification at GarCo911.com.
A Complex Incident Management Team has been ordered and is expected to begin arriving tomorrow. Additional air support, crews, engines, and overhead continue to arrive to support the efforts.
Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit
6.26.23, 5:38 pm – UPDATE: Spring Creek Fire has seen significant growth this afternoon. Due to the hot and dry conditions and increased winds, there is a significant smoke column. Additional resources are en route and air resources are actively engaged.
Spring Creek Fire grew significantlySpring Creek Fire smoke plume
Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit
6.26.23, 10:09 am – Crews have made great progress on securing the perimeter of the Spring Creek Fire and tended to several spot fires. Overnight, fire activity picked up due to dry conditions and increased winds.
The fire is currently 212 acres and 20 percent contained; this change in size is due to more accurate mapping. Over 150 personnel are assigned to the Spring Creek Fire, and more resources are expected to arrive today. Firefighting is a collaborative effort across agencies and resources. Yesterday, aviation resources were diverted from the Spring Creek Fire to support an initial attack on the Hubbard Fire, just outside of Rifle.
The current high temperatures, dry fuels, low humidity, and windy conditions may increase wildfire behavior. The National Weather Service is predicting Red Flag conditions please be extra cautious while out enjoying your week.
6.25.23, 2:43 pm, Parachute, Colo. – The Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire (UCR Fire) Management Unit and Grand Valley Fire Protection District (GVFPD) are in unified command to battle the Spring Creek Fire, five miles southwest of Parachute.
On June 24, the GVFPD was called to a brush fire around 2 pm, near Spring Creek. Initial responding firefighters found active fire running and spotting in rugged pinyon-juniper and grassy terrain. Crews from Debeque Fire Protection District, Colorado River Fire Rescue, Carbondale and Rural Fire Protection District, Lower Valley Fire Department, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office and the UCR Fire Management Unit responded as mutual aid to assist with firefighting efforts.
“This is a great example of cooperators coming together to support the community,” stated Incident Commander, Chris Jackson. “Crews are working diligently to protect resources and contain this blaze.”
The Spring Creek Fire is approximately 201 acres with moderate fire behavior. Air and ground resources will expand on the great progress made overnight to try and contain the fire within the current footprint. No structures are immediately threatened, and no injuries have been reported. The cause is unknown and under investigation at this time.
Spring Creek Road and High Mesa Road are open to local traffic only, and please use caution in the area while there is an increase in fire personnel. The Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit Facebook page will continue to provide updates as new information is available.
As a reminder, the large amount of winter moisture creates a large amount of springtime growth on our landscape. As those fuels dry out, they become quick-burning fuel loads that can result in active fire behavior and potential. Please be Firewise during Fire Year 2023.
6.25.23, 10:05 am – The Upper Colorado River (UCR) Interagency Fire Management Unit and Grand Valley Fire Protection District are in unified command of the Spring Creek Fire, about five miles southwest of Parachute, Colo.
The Spring Creek Fire is estimated to be at 201 acres with moderate fire behavior in pinyon-juniper and grass fuels. There are currently no structures immediately threatened at this time. The cause of this fire is unknown and under investigation.
We appreciate the support from the community, and please avoid the area to keep the public and fire crews safe.
Spring Creek Fire slurry planeSpring Creek Fire hand crews in heavy brushSpring Creek Fire aerial map of fire perimeter
6.24.23, 6:38 pm – Ground and air resources are currently engaged in the Spring Creek Fire 5 miles SW of Parachute, CO. The incident is estimated at 150 acres and is actively running and spotting.
