Single Publication

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Public Information Officer, Amy Ricotta, 970-823-4060

Bucktail Fire Update – August 10, 2024, 11:00 a.m. 

Nucla, Colorado 

Start Date: August 1, 2024

Cause: Unknown

Size: 7,202 acres

Percent Contained: 10% 

Resources Assigned: 193 personnel

Crews (5); Engines (4); Water tenders (2); Air Resources (4); Heavy Equipment (6)

Yesterday: Firefighters made substantial progress in utilizing hand and aerial burnout operations to introduce low intensity fire into available fuels and hold the fire within containment lines. The significant fire growth is due to these operations.  Part of their tactics included utilizing a fire scar from 2022 on the northwest side of the fire to moderate fire behavior. Completing the burnout operations marks a crucial milestone in firefighting efforts by securing the perimeter of the fire. Scattered rain occurred across the fire last night, helping moderate fire intensity.

Today: While interior areas of the fire continue to burn, the public should expect to see less smoke today. Crews will continue to hold fire lines, monitor and patrol the area. Containment numbers are expected to increase after crews verify the line on the ground. While the area closure remains in effect, Highway 90 is now open to through traffic. The roads and trails north of Highway 90 in the fire area remain closed. 

Weather: Monsoon moisture will remain over the wildfire and allow some showers and thunderstorms to form through the weekend.  The chance for heavy rain is 40%. Today’s temperatures will range from 81-86 degrees Fahrenheit while relative humidity will be 31-36%. 

Evacuations: None.

Closures:  While the area closure remains in effect, Highway 90 is open to through traffic at 12:01 a.m., August 10, 2024. The roads and trails north of Highway 90 in the fire area remain closed.

Road and area closures are in place within the proximity of the fire for public and firefighter safety. This includes 25 Mesa Road to the northwest, as well as Houser Road, Cottonwood Trail, and Hwy 90 to the south. The closure area also includes all roads and trails within this boundary. For a complete list of closed roads and a map of the closure area, please visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/coupd-bucktail-fire. 

The BLM temporary Emergency Closure Order and map are posted to the BLM Southwest District Fire page under Current Fire Restrictions & Notices / Uncompahgre Field Office at: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-information/colorado/southwest-district. 

The Forest Service temporary Emergency Closure Order and map are posted on the Forest Service Website at: fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1198456.pdf. 

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If You Fly, We Can’t: https://knowbeforeyoufly.org/home

Smoke Information: Visit CDPHE - Colorado.gov/AirQuality to learn about protecting yourself from wildfire smoke. For more information on current air quality go to Fire and Smoke Map (airnow.gov) and zoom in on Southwest Colorado. 

Fire Prevention: Fire managers would like to remind everyone to be attentive to their actions and surroundings, especially in areas with dry vegetation or dead/down trees. Preventing new fires is the most important thing anyone can do to help firefighters. Practice smart wildfire prevention behavior including never leaving a campfire unattended, and ensuring fires are completely out and cold. Make sure trailer chains don’t drag and dispose of smoking materials properly.  Every spark can start a fire!  

For additional information:

Montrose County Sheriff’s Office: https://montrosecountysheriffsoffice.com/bucktail-fire

Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control: https://dfpc.colorado.gov

Bureau of Land Management Southwest Colorado District, Uncompahgre Field Office: https://www.facebook.com/BLMMontroseFireUnit

West Slope Fire Information website: www.WestSlopeFireInfo.com

GMUG Fire Information https://www.facebook.com/GMUGFireInfo

Road Closures Montrose County: https://www.facebook.com/MontroseCountySO

Bucktail Fire Information Hotline: (970) 823-4060