Single Publication

Spring Creek Fire Update

July 10, 2023

Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Two
Jared Hohn, Incident Commander

Date Reported: June 24, 2023
Cause: Under Investigation
Size: 3,286 acres
Containment: 46%
Total Personnel: 497
Location: Southwest of Parachute, CO

Current Situation: Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Two is beginning a transition with a local Type 3 team to transfer command of the Spring Creek Fire. This change to a smaller organization is possible due to the successful suppression efforts over the past week; additional containment; and decreased fire behavior and intensity. The two incident management teams will spend the next two days sharing knowledge, data, and observations to ensure a seamless transition while work continues on the fire.

Yesterday helicopters and engines worked with firefighters to strengthen the holding line and gain more containment. There is a good bit of repetition at this point as firefighters revisit the same areas of the fire line, checking to make sure that no pockets of intense heat remain. Called “mopping-up” this hard physical labor process is essential in extinguishing or removing burning material near control lines.

As certainty in the strength of the containment line is increased, firefighters will shift to providing suppression repair, the process of mitigating the effects of firefighting efforts like flipping displaced vegetation back to root side down and placing water bars in the fire line to prevent erosion. Firefighters will work all sides of the fire, but the north side remains a bit more active than the rest.

Spring Creek Road and High Mesa Road are open to restricted traffic only. Please avoid these areas if possible and drive with caution because of increased fire traffic on the roadway.

Weather & Smoke Information: Monday will be partly cloudy with a chance of virga in the morning. High temperatures, and low humidity are predicted over the next several days. Winds will be close to 20 mph. Near critical fire weather continues in the region Tuesday through Thursday. Please remain attentive to preventing any new fire starts.

Closures: Bureau of Land Management Colorado River Valley Field Office and US Forest Service White River National Forest have public land closure orders in place for the safety of public and firefighters.

Visit BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office and U.S. Forest Service – White River for closure orders.

Evacuations: There are no evacuations at this time. Residents are encouraged to register with Garfield County's emergency notification system at: Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority (garco911.com). All evacuation orders will be conducted through the Sheriff's office. Call recorded message line at 970-981-3401 for current evacuation information.

Temporary Flight Restrictions: There is a TFR (FDC 3/0215) in place for air space over the Spring Creek Fire to reduce impacts to fire aviation operators. Fire aviation response is halted or delayed if an unauthorized aircraft enters the TFR. Temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft system (UAS) or drones. If you fly, we can’t!

Fire Information Phoneline: (970) 414-1772 Time: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

Media inquiries: (970) 414-1665 Time: 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
Facebook: Spring Creek Fire 2023 Email: 2023.springcreek@firenet.gov InciWeb: Spring Creek Fire Information