Single Publication

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Public Information Officer, Vicki Shaffer and Amy Ricotta, 970-823-4060

Bucktail Fire Update – August 9, 2024, 1:00 p.m. 

Nucla, Colorado 

Start Date: August 1, 2024

Cause: Unknown

Size: 7,177 acres 

Percent Contained: 10%

Resources Assigned: 193 personnel

Crews (8); Engines (5); Water tenders (2); Air Resources (4); Heavy Equipment (7)

Yesterday: With the secured line in place, fire crews successfully conducted hand and aerial ignitions on the northwestern side of the fire. Helicopters continued interior burning into the evening which supported a low intensity fire to reduce understory vegetation.  This method of igniting fires and burnout operations controls the speed, intensity, and overall fire behavior.  The significant fire growth is due to these operations. 

Today: Firefighters and helicopters will continue to scout for burnout opportunities and hand igntions will continue as possible.  Expect additional smoke again this afternoon from these operations. Firefighters will continue to strengthen firelines and increase containment.  Road and area closures will remain in place throughout the weekend. 

Weather: Monsoon moisture increases today and will remain elevated through the coming week. Storms will be capable of strong and unpredictable outflow winds along with an increasing potential for excessive rainfall.  Today’s temperatures will range from 81-86F while relative humidity will be 30-35%.

Evacuations: None.

Closures:  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!