Morgan Creek Fire

Unit Information

Routt National Forest
U.S. Forest Service
925 Weiss Dr
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

This incident is no longer being updated.

Routt National Forest Closure, Oct. 15, 2021

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The Morgan Creek Fire was reported on July 9 on the Routt National Forest 15 miles north of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The fire started south of the Hinman Campground and spread over the subsequent days south-southeast towards and into the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness. Lightning was determined to be the cause of the fire.

Containment has steadily increased and number of firefighting resources has decreased due to reduced fire behavior.

A forest area closure remains in effect as well as well as Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on the Routt National Forest and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in Routt County. To view Routt County evacuation information, visit the Routt County Current Evacuation Notices map.

A Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Reroute has been establish. View the map here.

Individuals planning for hunting season are encouraged to use the Colorado Hunting Atlas to find alternatives to access points impacted by the Morgan Creek Fire area closure.

On August 9, command of the Morgan Creek Fire transitioned from a Type 3 Incident Management Organization to Type 4 Management. The Morgan Creek Fire is a 60% confine, 40% full suppression fire, and firefighters will stay in the area to meet management goals.

Basic Information

Current as of
Incident Type	Wildfire
Cause	Lightning
Date of Origin	Friday July 09th, 2021 approx. 01:00 PM
Location	15 miles North of Steamboat Springs
Incident Commander	USDA Forest Service
Coordinates	40.718 latitude, -106.829 longitude

Current Situation

Total Personnel	1
Size	7,586 Acres
Percent of Perimeter Contained	100%
Fuels Involved	Timber (litter and understory), Brush (2 feet), Heavy dead and down due to beetle kill are adding to the fuel loading.
Significant Events	Minimal, Smoldering, with 3 inches of snow

Outlook

Planned Actions	Continue mopup and patrol the eastern and northern flanks working towards the wilderness and previous 2002 Burn Ridge fire footprint.
Projected Incident Activity	Minimal growth expected.

Current Weather

Weather Concerns	Wet and cooler weather expected over the next several days as a series of Pacific storms move through the area. A storm arrived early this week bringing markedly colder weather with three inches of snow.