Bench Fire Update: August 12

Information and photo provided by Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre & Gunnison National Forests public information officer.

The Bench Fire on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests continues to be managed for multiple objectives. The Fire is mimicking low to moderate natural burning conditions within the Uncompahgre Plateau ecosystem. A five-person engine module (firefighters) is staffing the fire and they continue to manage it to burn manzanita and oak brush amidst scattered ponderosa pine to reduce fuels and regenerate grass and forbs for wildlife.

On Monday, the fire continued to burn southward and has increased in size from 14 acres to 34, since its discovery late Saturday afternoon. The peak burning activity generally occurs from 1 PM to 7 PM. Smoke from the Bench Fire is visible from Utah, Gateway and from the Divide Road on the Plateau; however, the weather forecast predicts moisture in the fire vicinity for Tuesday through Thursday.

The Corral Fork fire, reported late last Friday, has had no growth and is emitting minimal smoke. The fire received moisture on Monday and is anticipated to be contained or extinguished this week with additional forecasted moisture.

For information on prescribed burns, wildfires and fire restrictions on National Forest System lands and other areas, call the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests Fire Information line at 970.874.6602, visit the GMUG Forest website (www.fs.usda.gov/gmug), Twitter https://twitter.com/GMUG_NF (#GMUGNF).
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The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre & Gunnison National Forests manage approximately 3 million acres of land in Southwest Colorado within Delta, Garfield, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Mesa, Montrose, Ouray, Saguache, San Juan and San Miguel counties.

Corral Forks Fire: August 8

Fire resources for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests responded to a fire on the Uncompahgre Plateau late last night. The Corral Forks Fire is located approximately four miles northwest of the Divide Forks Campground and about 24 miles southwest of Grand Junction, CO. The fire poses no threat to private lands or structures, nor the campground.

Caused by lightning, Engine 621 out of Grand Junction is staffing the fire and managing it for multiple objectives. The fire is about 0.5 acres in size and burning in manzanita brush and scattered ponderosa pine. Firefighters are managing the fire to reduce brush and undergrowth in the area and to mimic natural fire patterns on the Plateau. Should conditions warrant, firefighters will enact appropriate suppression tactics on the fire.

On August 10, there is a motorcycle race scheduled to occur on the Uncompahgre Plateau. Fire officials do not anticipate any effect to or from the fire on this event and the race is scheduled to continue as planned.

Naturally occurring wildland fire has always been a part of the ecosystem on the Uncompahgre Plateau. The Corral Fire is being managed to re-introduce natural processes into this ecosystem while providing for public protection. Firefighter safety and protection of human life and property is always the number one priority.

Note: photos attached. Photos from Air Attack plan and onsite evening of 8.7.2014

For information on prescribed burns, wildfires and fire restrictions on National Forest System lands and other areas, call the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests Fire Information line at 970.874.6602, visit the GMUG Forest website (www.fs.usda.gov/gmug), Twitter https://twitter.com/GMUG_NF (#GMUGNF).

The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre & Gunnison National Forests manage approximately 3 million acres of land in Southwest Colorado within Delta, Garfield, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Mesa, Montrose, Ouray, Saguache, San Juan and San Miguel counties.

***This news release provided by GMUGNF Public Information Officer.