The fire activity in Colorado dropped significantly in the last week. The number of wildfires fell from 16 to 13 and only three fires remain over 1000 acres.
The largest fire is the Little Mesa fire. The amount it has burned has been lowered from over 4000 acres to 3,928 acres.
The fire is located 16.4 miles WSW of Delta. There is a moderate chance the fire might grow. The fire was reported July 31.
One report says the fire is now 10% contained and one report says it is 0% contained. Lightning caused the fire which is located on the Dominquez Escalante National Conservation Area.
Sixty firefighters are involved in fighting the fire burning in pinyon pine, juniper, sagebrush and grass.
The Lowline Fire has burned 1,999 acres in Gunnison County Colorado. It was first reported on July 26, 2023.
The fire is 55% contained and is located approximately 11.6 miles SSW of Crested Butte.
The highest priority is for firefighter and public safety as firefighting resources work to minimize impact to private homes and structures along with critical water infrastructure.
There is a minimal to low chance the fire will grow. Lightning caused the fire. Three hundred and ninety personnel are involved in the fire.
The Bear Creek Fire is the third largest this week. The fire has burned 1,090 acres. The initial location was 21 miles NW of Pagosa Springs. It is located in the San Juan National Forest. Lightning caused the fire.
Firefighters have been unable to directly engage the Bear Creek fire due to the steep remote terrain and heavy fuel loading of dead standing and down trees.
Fire managers developed a strategic plan to suppress the Bear Creek fire, taking into consideration the risk posed to responders. Monsoon moisture, cloud cover, cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity have slowed the fire’s growth, but the fire continues to smolder and creep, and there is isolated torching.
Sixty-four personnel are currently involved in fighting the fire.
The 4th largest fire this week, the Pike Ridge Fire, has burned a relatively small amount at 246 acres. It is 0% contained. Because of recent rain the fire is currently dormant.
Lightning caused the fire. The conditions at the source of the fire are too unsafe to work in due to its location and steepness, which is why crews are working at safer distances; doing what they can to limit the spread of it.
The fire began on August 13 near Douglas Pass in Northwest Colorado, 31 miles N or Fruita.
There is a minimal to low chance the fire will spread.
The Spring Creek Fire has burned 13 acres. This is not to be confused with the Spring Creek Fire reported in past weeks which burned up 3,286 acres and is now under control.
This Spring Creek Fire is 15.4 miles SW of Montrose. There is a minimal to low chance the fire will spread.