Information from the Montrose Interagency Fire Management Unit Public Information Officer
The East Coal Creek Fire, located approximately 17 miles west
of Gunnison, is burning in the West Elk Wilderness on National Forest System
lands. This lightning-caused fire was reported on Friday (8/10) at 5:00 p.m. On
Saturday, the East Coal Creek Fire showed minimal growth potential; however the
fire has grown to an estimated 100 acres today due to changing weather
conditions.
The East Coal
Creek Fire is burning in an area dominated by Douglas fir and numerous
beetle-killed trees. The fire is in extremely difficult terrain on a NW facing
slope and is moving north and west – further into the West Elk Wilderness. The
East Coal Creek fire is burning towards the 2008 West Elk Fire. There are no
threats to life or property at this time. Smoke is visible along Hwy 50 west of
Gunnison.
Keeping the public and firefighters
safe is always our first concern. Our
commitment to safety is reflected in every fire management activity. Due to the
difficult terrain and concerns for firefighter safety, the East Coal Creek Fire
is a full suppression wildfire with modified tactics. Fire managers have
ordered additional resources to assist with the fire including one air attack,
one Type 2 helicopter, and one Type 1 hand crew – which are expected to arrive
tomorrow.
East Coal Creek Fire Stats:
Reported: August 10, 5:18 p.m.
Cause: Lightning
Size: 100 acres
Evacuations: None
For information on wildfires and
restrictions in the area, call the MIFMU Fire Information line (970.240.1070),
visit the MIFMU website (http://gacc.nifc.gov/rmcc/dispatch_centers/r2mtc/), or follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/MIFMU).
The Montrose
Interagency Fire Management Unit covers the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and
Gunnison National Forest (USFS), the Gunnison Field Office (BLM), the
Uncompahgre Field Office (BLM), Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
(NPS), Curecanti National Recreation Area (NPS), and public lands in the
counties of Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray, and San
Miguel.
