Single Publication

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Public Information Officers, Glen Sachet and Vicki Shaffer, 970-823-4060

Bucktail Fire Update – August 5, 2024, 13:30 p.m.
Nucla, Colorado, 
Start Date: August 1, 2024
Cause: Unknown
Size: 3,738 acres
Percent Contained: 7%
Resources Assigned: 154 personnel
Crews (6); Engines (3); Water tenders (3); Air Resources (3); Heavy Equipment (4)

Yesterday: The Incident Commander reported that fire behavior has moderated even though
thunderstorms brought strong wind gusts for a brief time. The fire growth has been in Ponderosa
Pine stands which, along with the brief rain on Sunday, helped moderate fire intensity. Fire line
construction continued on the northwest and southeast flank of the fire. Masticators, which are
heavy equipment brush cutters, worked to remove brush along critical sections of Mesa Rd 25
which will become sections of fire line. The two helicopters assigned to the fire continued to
work to cool hotspots with water drops. Firefighters continued to scout out additional
opportunities for fire line locations.

Today: This is day 5 for the Bucktail Fire and operations have moved from initial attack to a
longer-term suppression effort. Additional crews, including an eight-person Colorado Division of
Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) fire module, arriving today will add to the fire line
construction. Like yesterday, there are two divisions of firefighters. One division is continuing to
work northward along the west side and the second division is working eastward along the
southeast side. Firefighters will continue to scout for fire line options. Helicopters will continue
to drop water on hot spots to check the fire’s spread.

Weather: Scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. At 8000 ft., temperatures will range from
76-86F with minimum relative humidity 21-31%. At 6000 ft., temperatures will range from 87-
97 with minimum relative humidity 15-25%. Winds will be upslope 4-8 mph after 11 a.m. with
more erratic and gusty winds where thunderstorms are present.
Evacuations: None.

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 human-
caused fires is the most important thing anyone can do to help firefighters. Please ensure you
dispose of smoking materials properly. Check for local fire restrictions. Practice smart wildfire
prevention behavior including never leaving a campfire unattended, and ensuring their fires are
completely out and cold. Make sure trail chains don’t drag because, every spark can start a fire!