On Wednesday, the Sand Creek Fire, located about 20 miles northwest of Pagosa Springs, continued smoldering in the 2012 Little Sand Fire burn scar. Fire growth was minimal towards the retardant lines that were laid down last Sunday. Crews will continue with structure assessment in the Weminuche Valley northwest of the fire and assessing locations for control lines. Firefighters will continue to assess their options for keeping the fire as small as possible while also keeping firefighters safe. With the anticipation of lightning, some firefighters working the Sand Creek Fire will be available for initial attack on any new fires that may emerge.
At 6:00am yesterday, Rocky Mountain Area Type 2 Incident Management Team Black assumed command of the Sand Creek Fire. Team Black thanks Brad Pietruszka’s Type 3 organization for their work prior to the team’s arrival.
Sunny skies are expected over the fire until mid-morning with clouds building midday leading up to scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon bringing lightning and very little moisture. Temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid 80s on Wednesday with minimum humidity at 15-18%. Winds will be light through the morning and picking up to 9-13 mph out of the west-southwest. As the thunderstorms form in the afternoon, winds will increase to 15-20 out of the southwest with gusts up to 28 mph.
The pink area on the map shows the extent of the 2012 Little Sand Fire.
A forest closure is in effect for the area of the fire.
The Piedra River Trail (596), Little Sand Creek Trail (591), Lower Weminuche Trail (595), Coldwater Trail (597), and Coldwater Stock Trail (598) are all presently open. The Sand Creek Trail (593) and North Ridge Trail (594) are the only trails that are closed at this time. Mosca Road, NFSR 631 is also closed in the fire area.
Fire danger across the region is rated as extreme. Fire restrictions are in place on the San Juan National Forest. Archuleta County and Hinsdale County have both enacted Stage 1 Fire Restrictions.
For more information, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6790
Sand Creek Fire Statistics:
Size: 71 acres
Containment: 2%
Total Personnel: 241
Cause: Lightning
Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Sand Creek Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.