The ‘Ice Fire’ on the Columbine Ranger District was reported yesterday afternoon, Monday October 19. The fire is located west from Silverton, CO, near Ice Lakes Trailhead, on the north side of the South Mineral Road. It is burning in heavy, mixed conifer timber on National Forest System land. The cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation. As of Monday night, the fire is 320 acres.
A local Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command Monday evening and is using a full suppression strategy on the fire. Ground resources are currently working to protect South Mineral Campground and hold fire from spreading south of South Mineral Road. Due to extremely rough terrain and heavy timber, ground crews will be utilizing aircraft to provide critical support. Resources currently assigned to the incident include: 1 Air Attack, 5 helicopters, 6 single engine air tankers, 4 engines, 1 fire suppression module and a helitack crew. Additional resources, including 3 hand crews and 1 water tender, have been ordered. Weather is predicted to continue to be warm with gusty winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels.
The San Juan National Forest assisted San Juan County in the evacuation of hikers from the Ice Lakes area and trails. South Mineral Road (Forest System Road #585) is closed and South Mineral Campground has been evacuated. Forest visitors should avoid the fire area for their safety and to ensure safe fire operations.
Please do not stop to watch aircraft and firefighting activities as this poses a hazard for fellow travelers. Smoke from the fire will be visible on Highway 550, Silverton, Durango, and other surrounding areas and communities. Road signs are posted alerting any travelers of smoke and firefighting personnel and equipment in the area. Wildfire smoke may affect your health. For more information, please go to this website.
Fire danger remains very high and Stage 1 fire restrictions are in place on the San Juan National Forest (view the order here). Visitors are encouraged to practice extreme caution and be careful with anything that might start a fire. The Forest will continue to provide updates on the Ice Fire and establish an incident information webpage soon.
For more incident information, please call San Juan National Forest Public Affairs Office at (970) 422-2671 or the San Juan National Forest and Durango Interagency Dispatch on social media.
All offices on the San Juan National Forest are conducting business and providing visitor services virtually. For information on the San Juan National Forest, call (970) 247-4874, visit the forest website.
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