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 Plumtaw Fire Objectives: 

• To utilize risk management to reduce risks to the public and to firefighters. 
• To protect the Lost Valley of the San Juans subdivision and critical infrastructure, including the Fourmile Creek watershed, water intake, private lands, and additional infrastructure. 

Plumtaw fire objectives continue to be met enabling the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team 2 to transfer command of the Plumtaw Fire to the San Juan National Forest on May 28 at 6 am. In preparation for the Memorial Day weekend, recreators are reminded of the trail and road closures near the fire area. Drone pilots must observe the temporary flight restrtictions (TFR) and not fly inside the fire’s airspace.   

Yesterday’s accomplishments: 

• Containment increased again and is now at 72%, up 10% over yesterday. 
• Crews utilized the data from the thermal infrared detection and mapping data (NIROPS) flight, combined with the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) equipped with an IR camera, to locate and extinguish any remaining spots and areas of heat. 
• Rehabilitation work in the Lost Valley of the San Juans subdivision has been completed and residents have returned.  

Today’s plan: 

• Seeking and extinguishing areas of heat continues.  The greatest areas of heat are on the southcentral perimeter, in rugged canyons containing jackpots of dead and down fuel.  
• Rehabilitation of hand and dozer lines will continue as well as removal of hose lays were no longer needed.   

Weather: 

Upslope and up valley winds and warmer temperatures will continue over the fire area.  Skies will be mostly sunny with lower humidity and poor overnight humidity recovery. A fire weather watch is in place starting Friday through the weekend.  

Fire start date:  May 17, 2022 

Fire size today: 721 acres  

Containment: 72%
 

Location: 7 miles north of Pagosa Springs, CO 

Personnel: 364 

Cause: With no recent lightning and no prescribed fire, the fire’s cause is under investigation. 

Management: 

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2  

8 20-person crews  

8 engines 

2 water tenders 

1 dozers  

2 helicopters  

1 skidgeon (skidder/engine) 

TFR# ZDV2/5953 

San Juan National Forest Closure Information: 

https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sanjuan/alerts-notices 

Drones: 

Drones are hazards for our pilots and ground crews.  Remember: 

If You Fly, We Can’t!