Thursday, June 11, 2020, 12:00 P.M. MT

Fire Information Line: (575) 313-4678 OR (575)654-4181

Visit the New Mexico Fire Information website at www.nmfireinfo.com

Additional Fire Information available: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6737/

Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

 

TADPOLE FIRE

Location:  12 miles north of Silver City

Start Date: June 6, 2020                                   

Cause:  Lightning

Vegetation:  Timber with grass understory, brush, and Chaparral

Total Personnel: 189

Resources:  Five 20-person initial attack handcrews, one 8-person handcrew, 1 Type 3 heavy fire engine, 4 Type 6 light fire engines, 1 Type 3 medium helicopter, and 1 Type 1 heavy helicopter.  Air tankers are available at the Gila Aerial Fire Base.

Acres: 5,127

 

 

SUMMARY:  The Tadpole Fire, now at 5,127 acres, was ignited by lightning and reported on June 6. The Tadpole Fire is located on the SW portion of Tadpole Ridge, on National Forest System lands, Gila National Forest.  The fire is burning in timber with grass understory, brush and chaparral.  

 

An infrared nighttime mapping mission occurred last evening at 10:00 PM. Infrared mapping is the most accurate form of mapping as it detects heat signatures along the fire edge.  An additional benefit of infrared mapping is to pinpoint the hotter portions of the fire that may be focused on. The infrared map is available for viewing on the InciWeb website under the map tab.  Yesterday afternoon the fire began backing down the south side of Scott Peak, making small runs up drainages causing brief smoke columns visible from Silver City and surrounding areas.  Crews along NM Highway 15 progressed south, paralleling the fire, burning out fuels along the road to further secure and deepen the fireline perimeter.  Field Observers continue to scout the south and west edges of the fire to assess potential containment features.  The landscape of the southern portions of the fire include large rock outcrops and rock bands, scattered vegetation in some areas, and multiple dry drainages.  This helps decrease the forward movement of the fire. 

 

 

WEATHER: The weather forecast today over the Tadpole Fire area calls for very dry and somewhat cooler air sits in place across the fire area.  This means relative humidity recovery will be very poor again tonight.  Tomorrow will the start of warming temperatures, with daily highs back to around normal, lasting through the week.  Humidity will fall into the single digits again.  Winds are coming from the south today bringing upslope winds to the fire area.  A general southeast flow into the region will start to move moisture back into the region by Thursday.  This will bring a slight increase in relative humidity and chances for isolated showers and thunderstorms beginning Thursday afternoon, lasting through the weekend.  This will increase the potential for erratic outflow winds from storms and the possibility for new fire starts due to dry lightning.

 

Six portable air quality monitoring stations are being placed and will be providing smoke data and an air quality summary within the next 24 hours.  Please visit https://fires.airfire.org/outlooks/SWNewMexico and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/smoke-faq.html  for real time smoke monitoring data and a daily smoke summary.

 

 Please see the New Mexico Department of Health site,  https://nmtracking.org/fire for guidance on mitigating your smoke exposure.  Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures by staying inside during heavy smoke periods and avoiding outdoor activities.

SAFETY:  The Gila National Forest is currently under a campfire ban, including the use of charcoal. Use of pressurized fuel devices are acceptable.   

A temporary flight restriction is in place over the fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. For more information visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org .

###GLCTeam###

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FOREST SERVICE

GILA NATIONAL FOREST

Silver City Ranger District

CLOSURE ORDER

 

PROHIBITIONS:

 

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 CFR §261.50(a) the following acts are prohibited in the areas as described in this Order and depicted on the attached map (“Restricted Area” ) hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, within the Gila National Forest, Silver City Ranger District in Grant County in the State of New Mexico.  

1. Going into or being upon any area which is closed for the protection of Public Health and Safety. 36 CFR §261.53e  

2. Being on a road. 36 CFR §261.54e  

3. Being on a trail. 36 CFR §261.55(a)  

EXEMPTIONS:  

Pursuant to 36 CFR §261.50e, the following persons are exempt from this Order:  

1.  Persons with a Forest Service permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.

2.  Any Federal, State or Local Law Enforcement Officer or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

3. Resident, owners, lessees of land within the restricted area are allowed to enter only to the extent necessary to access their land.  

 

RESTRICTED AREA DESCRIPTION:  

All National Forest System lands, roads and trails within the boundaries within the area as described below and depicted on the attached Exhibit A.  

The restricted area includes National Forest System lands described as follows: The northeast corner of the closure area is on Wildhorse Mesa at the junction of NM Highway 15 in T 15S, R13W, Section 6 and trending due west and across Cow Creek to the northwest corner of Section 8 in T15S, R13W. From the northwest corner the closure boundary trends due south along the section line crossing the western end of Tadpole Ridge and then south through Devils Garden and across Bear Creek to the intersection of Forest Road 506. From there the boundary trends southeasterly on the west side of road 506 to its intersection, with but not across, the Little Walnut County Road 1-53 in T16S, R14W, Section 32. From this point the boundary trends northeast across Sections 32, 33, 28, and 27 to the southwest corner of Section 23 in T16S, R14W. From that corner the boundary trends due east to the private property in the northeast corner of Section 25 and thence around the private property to the south boundary of Forest Road 506 to and across its intersection with NM Highway 15. The southeast corner of the closure area is at the corner junction of Sections 24, 19, 25 and 30 on the northeast side of NM Highway 15. From this corner the closure area boundary trends north adjacent to and on the east side of NM Highway 15 to the northeast corner boundary of the closure area in Section 6.  

The restricted area also includes the following Forest Roads as shown on Exhibit A:

Bear Creek Road 506-all

Signal Peak Area Roads:  154 from NM Highway 15 to its terminus at Signal Peak, 4255G, 4255H, 4255F, 855A Lockney Road.

Meadow Creek Area Roads: 149, 4086O, 4086N, 4257J, unnamed road in Section 32, 89, 869, 4086I

Sheep Corral / Meadow Creek Area Roads: 4086J, 4078N, 282, 880, 3131, 3131G, 4083R, 876, 4078M, 4083T, 4083V.  

The restricted area also includes the following Forest Trails as shown on Exhibit A:

Sycamore Canyon Trail 234, Tadpole Ridge trail 232, Snow Creek Trail 233, Signal Peak Trail 742  

 

PURPOSE:  

The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety due to the Tadpole Fire.    

 

IMPLEMENTATION

 

1. This order will be effective on June 10, 2020 and shall remain in effect until August 30, 2020 or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.

 

2. Any violation of this prohibition is punishable as a Class B Misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both.  (see U.S.C. 551, 18 U.S.C. 3571(b)(6), 18 U.S.C.3581 (b)(7)).  

3. This Order supersedes, rescinds, and replaces any previous orders prohibiting the same act covered by this Order.  

4. A complete description of the Restricted Areas and routes is described above. A Map identifying these restricted locations is attached and made a part of this Order as Exhibit A.  

5. Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Silver City Ranger District Office located at 3005 E. Camino del Bosque, Silver City, NM 88061 or by calling (575) 388-8201.

 

 

Done at Silver City, New Mexico this 10th day of June, 2020.

 

 

  /s/   

Eric LaPrice

Acting Forest Supervisor

 

Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both.  (16 U.S.C. 551 and 18 U.S.C. 3559 and 3571).

Tuesday, June 10, 2020, 12:00 P.M. MT

 

Fire Information Line: (575) 313-4678 OR (575)654-4181

Visit the New Mexico Fire Information website at www.nmfireinfo.com

Additional Fire Information available: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6737/

Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

 

TADPOLE FIRE

 

Location:  12 miles north of Silver City

Start Date: June 6, 2020                                   

Cause:  Lightning

Vegetation:  Timber with grass understory, brush, and Chaparral

Total Personnel: 149

Resources:  Five 20-person initial attack handcrews, one 8-person handcrew, 1 Type 3 heavy fire engine, 4 Type 6 light fire engines, 1 Type 3 medium helicopter, and 1 Type 1 heavy helicopter.  Air tankers are available at the Gila Aerial Fire Base.

Acres: 3680  

 

SUMMARY:  The Tadpole Fire, now at 3,680 acres, was ignited by lightning and reported on June 6. The Tadpole Fire is located on the SW portion of Tadpole Ridge, on National Forest System lands, Gila National Forest.  The fire is burning in timber with grass understory, brush and chaparral.    

A aerial mapping mission occurred yesterday after the inversion lifted, bringing the acreage to 3,680.  A nighttime infrared mapping mission is scheduled tonight and will provide the most accurate fire size and areas of residual heat. Last evening, crews patrolled the north fireline, back burning heavy fuels to keep the main fire from compromising the improved containment line. The fire was active in the interior until late in the evening, adding additional acres.     

WEATHER: The weather forecast today over the Tadpole Fire area calls for very dry and somewhat cooler air sits in place across the fire area.  This means relative humidity recovery will be very poor again tonight.  Tomorrow will the start of warming temperatures, with daily highs back to around normal, lasting through the week.  Humidity will fall into the single digits again.  Winds are coming from the south today bringing upslope winds to the fire area.  A general southeast flow into the region will start to move moisture back into the region by Thursday.  This will bring a slight increase in relative humidity and chances for isolated showers and thunderstorms beginning Thursday afternoon, lasting through the weekend.  This will increase the potential for erratic outflow winds from storms and the possibility for new fire starts due to dry lightning.  

Six portable air quality monitoring stations are being placed and will be providing smoke data and an air quality summary within the next 24 hours.  

 Please see the New Mexico Department of Health site,  https://nmtracking.org/fire for guidance on mitigating your smoke exposure.  Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures by staying inside during heavy smoke periods and avoiding outdoor activities.

SAFETY:  The Gila National Forest is currently under a campfire ban, including the use of charcoal. Use of pressurized fuel devices are acceptable.   

A temporary flight restriction is in place over the fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. For more information visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

  

Tuesday, June 10, 2020, 12:00 P.M. MT

Fire Information Line: (575) 313-4678 OR (575)654-4181

Visit the New Mexico Fire Information website at www.nmfireinfo.com

Additional Fire Information available: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6737/

Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

 

TADPOLE FIRE

Location:  12 miles north of Silver City

Start Date: June 6, 2020                                   

Cause:  Lightning

Vegetation:  Timber with grass understory, brush, and Chaparral

Total Personnel: 149

Resources:  Five 20-person initial attack handcrews, one 8-person handcrew, 1 Type 3 heavy fire engine, 4 Type 6 light fire engines, 1 Type 3 medium helicopter, and 1 Type 1 heavy helicopter.  Air tankers are available at the Gila Aerial Fire Base.

Acres: 3680

 

 

SUMMARY:  The Tadpole Fire, now at 3,680 acres, was ignited by lightning and reported on June 6. The Tadpole Fire is located on the SW portion of Tadpole Ridge, on National Forest System lands, Gila National Forest.  The fire is burning in timber with grass understory, brush and chaparral.  

 

A aerial mapping mission occurred yesterday after the inversion lifted, bringing the acreage to 3,680.  A nighttime infrared mapping mission is scheduled tonight and will provide the most accurate fire size and areas of residual heat. Last evening, crews patrolled the north fireline, back burning heavy fuels to keep the main fire from compromising the improved containment line. The fire was active in the interior until late in the evening, adding additional acres. 

 

 

WEATHER: The weather forecast today over the Tadpole Fire area calls for very dry and somewhat cooler air sits in place across the fire area.  This means relative humidity recovery will be very poor again tonight.  Tomorrow will the start of warming temperatures, with daily highs back to around normal, lasting through the week.  Humidity will fall into the single digits again.  Winds are coming from the south today bringing upslope winds to the fire area.  A general southeast flow into the region will start to move moisture back into the region by Thursday.  This will bring a slight increase in relative humidity and chances for isolated showers and thunderstorms beginning Thursday afternoon, lasting through the weekend.  This will increase the potential for erratic outflow winds from storms and the possibility for new fire starts due to dry lightning.

 

Six portable air quality monitoring stations are being placed and will be providing smoke data and an air quality summary within the next 24 hours.

 

 Please see the New Mexico Department of Health site,  https://nmtracking.org/fire for guidance on mitigating your smoke exposure.  Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures by staying inside during heavy smoke periods and avoiding outdoor activities.

SAFETY:  The Gila National Forest is currently under a campfire ban, including the use of charcoal. Use of pressurized fuel devices are acceptable.   

A temporary flight restriction is in place over the fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. For more information visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org .

  

Tuesday, June 9, 2020, 8:00 P.M. MT

 

Fire Information Line: (575) 313-4678 (575)654-4502

Visit the New Mexico Fire Information website at www.nmfireinfo.com

Additional Fire Information available: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6737/

Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

 

TADPOLE FIRE

 

Location:  12 miles north of Silver City

Start Date: June 6, 2020                                   

Cause:  Lightning

Vegetation:  Timber with grass understory, brush, and Chaparral

Total Personnel: 149

Resources:  Five 20-person initial attack handcrews, one 8-person handcrew, 1 Type 3 heavy fire engine, 4 Type 6 light fire engines, 1 Type 3 medium helicopter, and 1 Type 1 heavy helicopter.  Air tankers are available at the Gila Aerial Fire Base.

 

 

SUMMARY:  The Tadpole Fire was ignited by lightning and reported on June 6. The Tadpole Fire is located on the SW portion of Tadpole Ridge, on National Forest System lands, Gila National Forest, and is approximately 2550 acres.  The fire is burning in timber with grass understory, brush and chaparral.  

 

Fire personnel had a successful day, completing their mission to improve the north and east containment lines. Winds were favorable for fire personnel to accomplish a burn out to strengthen and secure the northern containment line. Tomorrow, crews will continue to fortify the perimeter and scout containment opportunities to the south and east.  Minimal movement was observed on the south and west sides of the fire, with the north and east lines showing the most heat and activity.

 

WEATHER: The weather forecast over the Tadpole Fire area calls for breezy conditions and gusty afternoons. Winds are expected to continue through the weekend and the cold front exits the region.  A cold front pushed through the area overnight bringing an inversion layer to the lower areas for most of the day.  Very low dew point points and minimum humidity’s into the single digits are also expected.  A return of moisture is possible going into the end of the week, with the change of lightning with it.

 

 Please see the New Mexico Department of Health site,  https://nmtracking.org/fire for guidance on mitigating your smoke exposure.  Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures by staying inside during heavy smoke periods and avoiding outdoor activities.

SAFETY:  The Gila National Forest is currently under a campfire ban, including the use of charcoal. Use of pressurized fuel devices are acceptable.   

A Temporary Flight Restriction has been placed over the Tadpole fire area, restricting the use of drones. Temporary Flight Restrictions are in place to ensure the safety of aircraft over the fire. Any intrusions of the restriction will require all aircraft to be grounded until the area is cleared.  If you fly, we can’t.                                         

###GLCTeam###

  

Tuesday, June 9, 2020, 12:00 P.M. MT

 

Fire Information Line: (575) 313-4678 (575)654-4502

Visit the New Mexico Fire Information website at www.nmfireinfo.com

Additional Fire Information available: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6737/

Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

 

TADPOLE FIRE

 

Location:  12 miles north of Silver City

Start Date: June 6, 2020                                   

Cause:  Lightning

Vegetation:  Timber with grass understory, brush, and Chaparral

Resources:  2 Interagency Hotshot crews, two 20-person hand crews, 6 engines

 

 

SUMMARY:  The Tadpole Fire was ignited by lightning and reported on June 6. The Tadpole Fire is located on the SW portion of Tadpole Ridge, on National Forest System lands, Gila National Forest, and is approximately 1,000 acres.  The fire is burning in timber with grass understory, brush and chaparral.  

 

Todays task for fire personnel focuses on completing containment line preparation and holding the fire within the established containment lines.  Air tankers and heavy helicopters will be working the fire throughout the day, focusing on areas of higher heat and potential risks to the containment lines.

 

WEATHER: The extended weather forecast over the Tadpole Fire area calls for a continued warming and drying trend, along with breezy and gusty afternoon and evening winds continuing through the weekend.  A cold front pushed through the area overnight with winds shifting more to the north to northwest.  Very low dew point points will accompany the front and drop minimum humilities into the single digits for Tuesday.  A return of moisture is possible going into the end of the week.

 

Largest concern today is smoke impacts to residents and communities. Please see the New Mexico Department of Health site,  https://nmtracking.org/fire for guidance on mitigating your smoke exposure.  Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures by staying inside during heavy smoke periods and avoiding outdoor activities.

SAFETY:  The Gila National Forest is currently under a campfire ban, including the use of charcoal. Use of pressurized fuel devices are acceptable.   

A Temporary Flight Restriction has been placed over the Tadpole fire area, restricting the use of drones. Temporary Flight Restrictions are in place to ensure the safety of aircraft over the fire. Any intrusions of the restriction will require all aircraft to be grounded until the area is cleared.  If you fly, we can’t.                                         

###GLCTeam###

  

Monday, June 8, 2020, 10:00 P.M. MT

 

Fire Information Line: (575) 313-4678 (575)654-4502

Visit the New Mexico Fire Information website at www.nmfireinfo.com

Additional Fire Information available: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6737/

Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

 

TADPOLE FIRE

 

Location:  12 miles north of Silver City

Start Date: June 6, 2020                                   

Cause:  Lightning

Vegetation:  Timber with grass understory, brush, and Chaparral

Resources:  2 Interagency Hotshot crews, two 20-person hand crews, 6 engines

 

 

SUMMARY:  The Tadpole Fire was ignited by lightning and reported on June 6. The Tadpole Fire is located on the SW portion of Tadpole Ridge, on National Forest System lands, Gila National Forest, and is approximately 750 acres.  The fire is burning in timber with grass understory, brush and chaparral.  

 

Today, fire crews prepped the west side of NM Hwy 15 and along Forest System Road 282/Sheep Corral Road. A spot fire occurred on the east side of Hwy 15 north of the Meadow Creek Road and has been suppressed. There are currently 150 fire personnel working this fire.

 

Multiple days of Red Flag fire conditions increased fire behavior this afternoon, causing the fire to make short runs up canyons that lay in alignment with the southwest winds.  Due to the distance and smoke laying down at night, fires can emit a glow that can be see long distances and distorts the fire to appear bigger than its actual size.

 

WEATHER: The extended weather forecast over the Tadpole Fire area calls for a continued warming and drying trend, along with breezy and gusty afternoon and evening winds continuing through the weekend.  A cold front is expected over the area bring lower dew points and relative humidity. Smoke is visible from Silver City and surrounding areas, as well as the Gila Valley and Mimbres Valley.  Campers and residents in the area can expect drifting smoke and haze settling into low areas overnight. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health website at: https://nmtracking.org/fire. 

 

SAFETY:  The Gila National Forest is currently under a campfire ban, including the use of charcoal. Use of pressurized fuel devices are acceptable.   

A Temporary Flight Restriction has been placed over the Tadpole fire area, restricting the use of drones. Temporary Flight Restrictions are in place to ensure the safety of aircraft over the fire. Any intrusions of the restriction will require all aircraft to be grounded until the area is cleared.                                           

###GLCTeam###

   

Monday, June 8, 2020 10:00 A.M. MST

 

Fire Information Line: (575) 313-4678 (575)654-4502

Visit the New Mexico Fire Information website at www.nmfireinfo.com

Additional Fire Information available: www.inciweb.nwcg.gov

Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

TADPOLE FIRE

 

 

SUMMARY:  The Tadpole Fire was ignited by lightning and reported on June 6. The Tadpole Fire is located on the SW portion of Tadpole Ridge, on National Forest System lands, Gila National Forest, and is approximately 600 acres.  The fire is burning in timber with grass understory, brush and chaparral.  

 

Today, fire crews will be prepping the west side of NM Hwy 15 and along Forest System Road 228/Sheep Corral Rd.  The fire was moving slowly towards the northeast, burning on the surface with occasional torching.  The fire is expected to move to the north side of Tadpole Ridge over the course of the day. There are currently 90 fire personnel working this fire.

 

Fire behavior and effects are being assessed to ensure incident objectives are being met.  These objectives include protecting private lands, increasing firefighter and public safety, and protecting cultural resources and wildlife habitat.

 

WEATHER: The extended weather forecast over the Tadpole Fire area calls for a continued warming and drying trend, along with breezy and gusty afternoon and evening winds continuing through the weekend.  Smoke is visible from Silver City and surrounding areas, as well as the Gila Valley and Mimbres Valley.  Campers can expect drifting smoke and haze. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health website at: https://nmtracking.org/fire.

 

SAFETY:  The Gila National Forest is currently under a campfire ban, including the use of charcoal. Use of pressurized fuel devices are acceptable.   

A Temporary Flight Restriction has been placed over the Tadpole fire area, restricting the use of drones. Temporary Flight Restrictions are in place to ensure the safety of aircraft over the fire. Any intrusions of the restriction will require all aircraft to be grounded until the area is cleared.                                           

###GLCTeam###

Location:  south of Tadpole Ridge, Silver City Ranger District, Grant County, NM

Start Date: June 6, 2020        Size:  ~450 acres                   Cause:  Lightning

Vegetation:  Pinyon Juniper, Ponderosa Pine

Resources:   One (1) FS Engine, four hand crews travelling to the incident including two Hot Shot Crews. Gila/Las Cruces Type 3 IMT will take over the incident at 6 p.m. today.

Incident Commander:  Leo Trujillo, ICT4

 

Summary:  The Tadpole Fire Is burning on National Forest System lands on the Silver City Ranger District, Gila National Forest.  The strategy for this fire is full suppression, using a confine and contain strategy. There is a high potential for spread. Objectives include protecting and minimizing the impact of fire on high values at risk which includes; wildland firefighter and public safety, and infrastructure associated with private land.  This fire is in rugged and remote terrain. The Silver City Ranger District has placed road closure signs on Bear Creek Road down towards Ben Lilley Pond, and off NM Hwy 15 at FR 382/Sheep Corral Road. Two trailheads (TH) are in the vicinity and should be avoided. They are TH 232/Tadpole Ridge and TH 234 Sycamore.  NM State Patrol will be manning road closures on NM Hwy 15 from Ben Lilley Memorial to the junction of NM Hwy 35/NM 15. The alternate route to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is via NM Hwy 35 and through the Mimbres Valley.

Smoke from fire rises up and away during the daytime, but in the evenings, smoke can pool back down in canyons, drainages, and basins.  Overnight smoke has settled in the Mimbres Valley. For information on air quality and protecting your health, and to find guidance on distances and visibility, please visit https://nmtracking.org/fire. Fire information can be found at nmfireinfo.com.

 

For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/gila or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

Wilson Crossing Fire Update
June 8, 2020 10:00 a.m.

Bureau of Land Management
Front Range Fire and Aviation Management Unit 
John Markalunas, Incident Commander

As Crews Gain Containment, Wilson Crossing Transitions to Smaller Team
Current Situation: The Wilson Crossing Fire did not grow on Sunday despite a Red Flag Warning calling for low humidity, high temperatures, and high winds. Crews increased containment to 60% of the fire’s perimeter. The acreage increased to 144 acres due to better mapping of burned area inside the canyon that was not previously accounted for. 

On Sunday, single-engine air tankers (SEATs) supported ground crews through retardant drops in the morning while crews worked to construct and improve containment line. Crews worked along the canyon rim and in the canyon to mop up remaining pockets of heat. The Type 3 helicopter provided bucket drops as needed. Fire activity was light throughout the day. 

Sunny skies, warmer temperatures, and gusty winds are again expected on Monday ahead of a cooling trend that is forecasted to start on Tuesday. Crews will continue constructing containment line and reinforcing existing lines. No structures are threatened. The fire may be visible from the I-25 corridor and from nearby towns during periods of increased fire activity.

As containment on the fire has increased, the operation will be downsizing today a Type 4 organization led by Incident Commander Ryan Ham of the Black Hills National Forest. Resources will continue to be released from the fire and made available for other assignments. The smaller organization will consist of one Type 2 Initial Attack hand crew, two engines, a water tender, and support staff. 

The Type 3 BLM team is thankful to the community and partner organizations for the support over the duration of the fire. “We want to thank the Huerfano County and Forest Service resources that were first on scene to the Wilson Crossing Fire,” said outgoing Bureau of Land Management Incident Commander John Markalunas. “Their quick response and decisive actions on Friday set us up for success over the past few days.” 

Additionally, today’s update will be the last issued for the Wilson Crossing Fire. Brief updates will be posted to the Inciweb page and to the @BLMColoradoFire Facebook account as information becomes available. 

Weather: Sunny skies are expected over the fire today with temperatures up to 88 degrees. Minimum humidity will range from 3-8%. Winds are expected out of the southwest from 13-17 mph through the day with afternoon gusts up to 35 mph. A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. due to low humidity and high winds. 

Fire Restrictions: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for BLM-managed lands in Huerfano County. Huerfano County also has Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in place. For details on these restrictions, please visit https://go.usa.gov/xvhGj for information on BLM fire restrictions and https://huerfano.us for Huerfano County’s restrictions. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: The temporary flight restriction over the Wilson Crossing Fire has been lifted. If fire behavior necessitates the use of aircraft in the coming days, that TFR may be put back into effect. 

Wilson Crossing Fire Statistics: 
Size:  Approximately 144 acres 
Containment:  60% 
Total Personnel: 70 
Cause: Lightning 
Start Date:  June 5, 2020 
Location: 17 miles southeast of Colorado City 

Contact Information: 
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6735/ 
Facebook: facebook.com/BLMColoradoFire 
Fire Information Office: (719) 315-0690