Colorado fire season topic thread-2018 (Grand Junction, Durango: lease, safe, parks)

[jim9251]

MONTROSE, Colo. –The Bureau of Land Management Uncompahgre Field Office is actively managing the lightning-caused Buttermilk Fire burning within the Gunnison Gorge wilderness about 15 miles northeast of Montrose, Colorado. The fire is currently 100 acres, and smoke is visible and may remain visible as the fire continues to burn.
The terrain is very steep and rugged with drainages flanking three-sides of the fire making it hazardous for firefighters to engage. Additionally, due to the remote location, there is no immediate threat to structures or resource values at this time. “The Wilderness Act prevents motorized or mechanized activities where the fire is burning, and traditional fire suppression relies on vehicles, air support and motorized tools such as chainsaws to safely suppress a fire,” said Randy Chappell, BLM Deputy Fire Management Officer. “Therefore, we are developing plans to secure the fire perimeter if it moves beyond the wilderness area.”
Under current conditions, the fire also presents an opportunity for benefits to the ecosystem in the wilderness area.

[jim9251]

All fire restrictions in Montrose County and the Uncompahgre National Forest and BLM lands have been removed. Pouring rain near Montrose.

[brightdoglover]

Great to hear! Several minutes of good rain in Ridgway.

[jim9251]

MONTROSE, Colo. – Bureau of Land Management fire managers continue to monitor the 336-acre Buttermilk Fire, while planning for next steps in the coming days. Fire managers identified features outside of the wilderness area that will help stop the fire’s spread and help firefighters safely prevent growth. For public and firefighter safety, there is an immediate closure in place on the C77 road while crews stage resources in the targeted locations.
Currently, 25 personnel are assigned to the fire, including BLM, US Forest Service, state and local crews.
The lightning-ignited fire, primarily within the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness, is burning in pinyon-juniper along rough, rugged terrain. Fire activity and behavior are as expected, given the location and weather conditions. There are no immediate threats to structures or resource values.
Smoke will remain visible from the fire, especially in the afternoon when the daytime temperatures are the highest, relative humidity is the lowest and wind speeds increase.

[jim9251]

Engines and air support responding to the 300-acre lightning-caused Bull Fire, 12 miles northwest of Nucla. One structure is threatened; structure protection is... in place. Smoke is visible from various locations in the area. More information available in the morning.

[jim9251]

Montrose County Air Quality AlertMultiple wildfires in southwestern Colorado as well as smoke from additional fires in the western United States have contributed to poor air quality across the county.


Everything is brown, can't see past a few miles and it's very hard to breathe outside.

[brightdoglover]

Can see and smell the haze everywhere.

[DOUBLE H]

Still hotter than hell in Mesa County, with temps in the Fruita/Loma area hitting 100, and forecast to do the same today. And the air this morning? Barfaroni!



ABC affiliate KJCT had some good news regarding the Durango/Silverton train; will try to get everything cleaned up because of the mudslide last Tuesday, scheduled to re-open this weekend.

[jim9251]

That goofy weather guy on that channel all excited to hit 100 degrees. It's been 100 or more here for 38 days now. Montrose County is under an extreme health air alert thing. I've never seen that before.

[DOUBLE H]

The air is bad-yuck-o!


Local media has been advising seniors and people with respiratory problems to stay inside. The light layer of ash on my windshield was noticeable this morning while going out for breakfast. Gonna be toasty for the next 7 to 10 days in Mesa County.