Single Publication

QUARTZ RIDGE & BEAR CREEK FIRES

Update: September 30, 2023                    

Type 3 Team, Incident Commander: Scotty Nilson

Updates will be produced every other day unless significant activity occurs

Highlights: 

Fire activity on both the Quartz Ridge and Bear Creek fires remains minimal with isolated smoke production following two days of near-critical fire weather.  Infrared data shows the Bear Creek Fire increased in size by 1 acre; no change in size to Quartz Ridge. Fire activity may be further-reduced this weekend by moisture and cooler temperatures.

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

Firefighters flew a reconnaissance helicopter flight on Friday and spotted only a few isolated locations with active burning.  An overnight infrared flight shows most of the fire area is cold, with some scattered pockets of heat. Patrols and spotters will continue to watch for any signs of fire activity near the perimeter.  
 

Bear Creek Fire:  1,094 acres | 13 personnel assigned

Infrared data shows the fire grew by 1 acre. There is some active fire along the northern edge of the fire that led to that increase.  Elsewhere within the fire perimeter, there are many pockets of heat, as fire is slowly chewing through dead and down timber. Two engines are stationed in the Weminuche Valley, with firefighters continually patrolling to make sure isolated areas of active fire are not advancing beyond the limits defined in the incident objectives.  

Weather:  

Wet, windy and cooler weather is forecast to move over the region Friday.  Rain showers are expected this afternoon, into the evening.  Sustained winds will be 10-20 mph, gusting to 40.  Sunday may be even windier, with gusts to 50 mph, with a 40% chance of more rainfall. 

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.

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