Single Publication

QUARTZ RIDGE & BEAR CREEK FIRES

Update: September 28, 2023                    

Type 3 Team, Incident Commander: Scotty Nilson

Updates will be produced every other day unless significant activity occurs

Highlights: 

Near-critical fire weather has been forecast for Thursday and Friday.  Fuels have become drier and more receptive to burning, and winds are increasing.  Firefighters will be closely watching for any fire activity that threatens the perimeters of the fires.  

Prescribed Fire:  There has been increased smoke production this week caused by prescribed burning in locations on the San Juan National Forest.  For the most up to date and detailed information, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-maps-gallery/cosjf-san-juan-national-forest-prescribed-fire-program  

Quartz Ridge Fire:  2,850 acres | 22 personnel assigned

Fire activity has increased, with more signs of heat and isolated smoke within the fire perimeter.  Fire managers expect the increased activity to continue on Thursday and Friday, due to dry, windy conditions.  The fire is located in rugged Wilderness with heavy dead and downed timber where it is unsafe and impractical for firefighters to take aggressive actions. Firefighters continue to actively observe fire behavior from strategic locations near the fire. 

Bear Creek Fire:  1,093 acres | 13 personnel assigned

During a helicopter flight on Wednesday, flames were observed in a heavily-treed area near the northern edge of the fire. Isolated burning continues in other parts of the fire, and people in the Weminuche Valley may notice more smoke through Thursday and Friday.  The fire is burning above the valley in steep, difficult terrain.  If the fire were to push down closer to the valley, Fire managers may take more aggressive actions. 

Weather:  

The drying trend continues, and winds will be stronger over the fire areas on Thursday, into Friday.  Relative humidity will be 16-18 on Thursday. Wind gusts could reach 25 mph on Quart Ridge, 20 mph on Bear Creek. Temps will reach the mid to upper 60’s.  Friday: slightly stronger winds, but with humidity levels increasing to about 20%

San Juan NF Temporary Closures: The closure order for the Quartz Ridge Fire has been amended. Quartz Meadows Rd (NFSR#684) and the Quartz Ridge Trail (NFST#570) have re-opened. Quartz Creek Trail (NFST#571) remains closed.  In the Bear Creek Fire area, Little Sand Trail (NFST #591) and Shaw Creek Trail (NFST#584) are closed. For more info: Quartz Ridge Closure and Bear Creek Closure.