News release provided by BLM PIO
Craig, Colo. – The Bull Canyon Fire was 100% contained yesterday at 9 p.m. Wildland fire crews had the opportunity to use GPS (Global Positioning System) and determined the fire to be 35 acres. The Craig and Roosevelt Interagency Hot Shot Crews (IHC) will be released from the incident by noon and available for reassignment. Remaining on the fire are two engine crews, one from the National Park Service and the other from the U.S. Forest Service.
The Bull Canyon Fire is on Bureau of Land Management land five miles north of the town of Dinosaur. It started shortly after 12 noon on July 18 and was lightning caused.
The Bear Fire, ten miles northwest of Lay in Moffat County, was reported at 2:48 p.m. Saturday, July 18 and was contained the same evening. Lightning was the ignition source of this incident on private land. One BLM engine responded.
The Red Dirt Fire burned more actively yesterday afternoon due to gusty winds and produced more smoke. The engine on scene reported fire activity died down later in the day with no control issues. Crews continued to secure the northeast corner of the perimeter keeping the fire from advancing onto private land and meeting management objectives. The fire is now 17 acres.
The Red Dirt Fire is approximately 23 miles southwest of Maybell near Elk Springs on BLM land. It is being managed to allow fire to play its natural role on the land. Benefits include regeneration of vegetation and removal of encroaching pinion/juniper trees.
Hay Canyon Fire, also being managed for resource benefit, is about five acres. Fire personnel finished reinforcing the north flank yesterday and will continue to monitor fire activity. Hay Canyon Fire is about 30 miles west of Meeker on BLM land.
The Northwest Colorado Fire Management Unit, primarily Rio Blanco, Moffat, Routt, Jackson and Grand counties, received about 500 lightning strikes in the last 24 hours. Hot dry, windy conditions are forecast to return later this week and hold-overs are a possibility. A hold-over occurs when lightning strikes but conditions don’t support immediate flame visibility. The heat from the strike can remain for a few days before flames are visible.
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