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Quartz Ridge & Bear Creek Update - 9/24/23
Quartz Ridge Fire, Bear Creek Fire
Publication Type: News 10/03/2023
QUARTZ RIDGE & BEAR CREEK FIRES
September 24, 2023
Type 3 Team, Incident Commander: Scotty Nilson
Daily Update – 9:00 AM
Highlights: Sunny skies and trending warmer temperatures continue over the next few days. The clear skies and drier weather may show an increase of fire activity and additional smoke production over both fires. Prescribed burning activity may be in the area west of Rito Blanco Ranch, there may be an increase of smoke production. Fire management continues to watch the weather trends and anticipate an increase of fire behavior and smoke production within the fire perimeters. As conditions permit, prescribed fire activity will be taking place at specific locations around 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 | 25 personnel assigned
Fire crews will continue to patrol the perimeter for signs of fire activity and take actions where needed. As this weather matrix continues to warm and dry, may expect to see increased fire activity and smoke production. Crews will continue to observe the fire behavior and engage where safe to do so.
Bear Creek Fire: 1,093 acres | 14 personnel assigned
Bear Creek Fire should be warmer and very little chance of rain as sunny skies continue. Smoke may be visible in the Weminuche Valley, west of Weminuche and south of Falls Creek. Firefighters will be assessing any damage to trails within the fire perimeter.
Weather: Fall weather continues with mostly clear skies until afternoon clouds begin to build. Daytime temperatures are predicted to be in the upper 50’s to mid 60’s. Relative humidity during the day is expected to range from 22% to 30% and light winds.
San Juan National Forest Temporary Closures: Closure orders are in effect and additional information can be found here: Quartz Ridge Closure and Bear Creek Closure. Roads and trails within the Quartz Fire area are Quartz Meadows Rd (NFSR#684), Quartz Ridge Trail (NFST#570), Quartz Creek Trail (NFST#571). The trails within the Bear Creek Fire area are Little Sand Trail (NFST #591) and Shaw Creek Trail (NFST#584).
