The approximately 300 acre Elk Springs Fire was reported yesterday around 3:30 p.m. and is being managed under a Unified Command over Bureau of Land Management, State, and private lands. It is burning in grass, sage, pinion and juniper about 1 ½ mile south of US Highway 40, southeast of Elk Springs. The main concern for this fire is the protection of the community of Elk Springs, ranch residences and structures, oil and gas facilities, primary sage grouse habitat, and major transmission lines. The Moffat County Sheriff is concerned about control of traffic along Highway 40 and any evacuations if they are necessary. The cause has not yet been determined.
Firefighting Resources on the Elk Springs Fire:
- BLM Squad 1-1, 2 Juniper Valley Crews, Roosevelt Hot Shots, and Wyoming Hot Shots
- County and State Engines
- 2 Air Attack modules
- 5 Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs)
- 1 Heavy Air Tanker (available on call)
- 1 Helicopter
Crews are busy in the northwest Colorado fighting many smaller fires on a daily basis. Thunderstorms in the area have dropped a great deal of lightning, wind, and only isolated rain. Long term drought in the area has made fuels receptive to burning. However, this morning’s cloud cover and higher humidity has helped to calm the fires. A significant increase in moisture is forecasted for the area although gusty and erratic winds are expected near any showers or thunderstorms.
Reducing risk to firefighters and the public is the first priority in every fire management activity. No structure, natural resource, or cultural resource is worth the loss of human life. Our top priority is to keep the public and firefighters safe.
Unified command continues on the 20,690 acre Alkali fire burn area. Crews expect to contain this fire today.
Note: On last night’s release, this fire was reported as southwest of Elk Springs, when it is actually southeast of Elk Springs. We apologize for the error.
More information on the Elk Springs Fire can be found on Inciweb at:http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4011/
Press releases and photos can be found at:https://sites.google.com/site/nwcofireunit/
