Single Publication

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Public Information Officer, Vicki Shaffer, 970-823-4060

Bucktail Fire Update – August 6, 2024, 2:00 p.m. 

Nucla, Colorado 

Start Date: August 1, 2024

Cause: Unknown

Size: 3,788 acres 

Percent Contained: 10%

Resources Assigned: 134 personnel

Crews (3); Engines (2); Water tenders (2); Air Resources (2); Heavy Equipment (5)

Yesterday: Minimal new growth occurred, primarily along the south and east sides of the fire. Crews continued to work on hand lines while dozers completed a line from the fire origin along the fire’s west side. Afternoon storms brought increased wind and light rain to the area; however, it did not have a noticeable effect on fire activity. Three new fire starts in the region were reported on Monday afternoon.

Today: Ground crews and heavy equipment will continue to strengthen fire lines. Two additional hotshot crews have been ordered and are expected to arrive today. Expect to see more activity in the air as helicopters drop water on hotspots along the fire perimeter.

A community meeting will be held tonight at the Nucla Community Center, located at 1045 Main St., from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Fire managers will give a brief update on fire operations and be available to answer questions.

Weather: Temperatures will range between 75-95F, with above-average humidity due to monsoonal patterns that have developed over the area. Daily afternoon showers and storms are expected each day throughout the weekend. These storms will be capable of producing wetting rain and strong gusty winds between 30-50 mph. 

Evacuations: None.

Closures:  Road and area closures are in place within the proximity of the fire for public and firefighter safety. This includes 25 Mesa Road to the northwest, as well as Houser Road, Cottonwood Trail, and Hwy 90 to the south. The closure area also includes all roads and trails within this boundary. For a complete list of closed roads and a map of the closure area, please visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/coupd-bucktail-fire. 

The BLM temporary Emergency Closure Order and map are posted to the BLM Southwest District Fire page under Current Fire Restrictions & Notices / Uncompahgre Field Office at: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-information/colorado/southwest-district. 

The Forest Service temporary Emergency Closure Order and map are posted on the GMUG National Forest Website at: fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1198456.pdf. 

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If You Fly We Can’t: https://knowbeforeyoufly.org/home

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 new fires is the most important thing anyone can do to help firefighters. Practice smart wildfire prevention behavior including never leaving a campfire unattended, and ensuring fires are completely out and cold. Make sure trailer chains don’t drag and dispose of smoking materials properly.  Every spark can start a fire!