Firefighters are pushing to build containment lines in the Stoner Mesa Fire northeast of Dolores, taking advantage of a cool night with rainfall to improve fire lines and further implement the containment strategy.
The fire, which has scorched more than 7,390 acres since it was ignited July 28, remained 0% contained Saturday morning, according to a news release from the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1. The team noted that because of poor flight conditions, no new infrared data was available to update the fire’s size.
More than 530 personnel are working the fire, which is burning in rugged terrain and threatening homes, grazing lands, timber sales and key transportation routes including Colorado Highway 145 and County Road 38.
“Firefighters continue to work toward full suppression of the fire, keeping firefighter safety and the public’s safety as a top priority,” the incident team said Saturday in a news release.
According to operations section chief Matt Weakland, however, said in his morning update that the rainfall has brought new challenges for crews.
“Last night we received some moisture on the fire and more rain is expected today,” he said. “While that is a really good for moderating fire behavior, it does present some unique challenges to firefighters out on the ground. It can cause roads and dozer lines that we've been driving to become slick and impassible and it also can cause problems for firefighters … in those steep areas – makes it inaccessible due to slick conditions.”
Infrared flights used to map the fire’s perimeter were grounded for two nights because of poor weather. Officials plan to use unmanned aerial systems and state Mission Aircraft to gather data this weekend.
Residents along Highway 145 and County Road 38 are being urged to drive cautiously due to heavy fire traffic. The fire team, led by Cmdr. Justin Conrad, has reported several close calls with drivers passing on double yellow lines and exceeding speed limits, the news release said.
Officials also reminded the public that wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. “If you fly, we can’t,” the team warned. Flight crews were airborne Saturday morning.
Structure protection teams are assessing homes and preparing for a possible defense. Structure Group 145 is identifying water tender fill sites and evaluating equipment needs. Structure Group 38 has completed assessments on the fire side of the footprint from Dunton to Colorado 145 and is working north to assess properties on the opposite side.
The San Juan National Forest has announced emergency closures in areas affected by the fire. Stage 2 fire restrictions remain in place across the region.
Crews were using direct and indirect means to suppress the fire.
In Division A, firefighters made progress west from West Twin Springs Trail toward Road 335. Crews discovered two spot fires east of the trail; one and has begum mopping up one, while trying to contain the other.
Division E, located in steep and inaccessible terrain, is being scouted for containment opportunities using natural barriers and existing infrastructure. Infrared-equipped drones will help identify remaining heat sources. Staffing has begun, Weakland said.
“We've brought our division supervisor in they are getting familiar with this country to start putting a plan together for Division Echo,” he said.
In Division T, crews are reinforcing lines between Roads 545 and 547. Burn operations were conducted Friday to remove unburned fuels. Mop-up continued Saturday.
Division X was scouting containment options on the western flank, working to tie trail systems into County Road 38. Mitigation work is underway along Stoner Mesa Trail.
“That's a fully staffed division today, and those folks are working on putting in fire line along that mesa top to protect County Road 38,” Weakland said.
In Division W, heavy equipment was cutting a line along the southern edge, and improvements are underway on Road 201 south to Loading Pen Trail. Equipment movement is expected on Taylor Creek Road.
Weakland said the divisionj was fully staffed Saturday.
“They are working at putting in fire line on the mesa top to protect values that also includes some timber sales that are in this general area,” he said.
| Date | Air quality | Primary | Air quality |
| index | pollutant | category | |
| Aug. 11 | 32 | PM2.5 | Good |
| Aug. 12 | 41 | PM2.5 | Good |
| Aug. 13 | 55 | Ozone | Moderate |
| Aug. 14 | 48 | PM2.5 | Good |
| Aug. 15 | 60 | Ozone | Moderate |
| Source: EPA’s AirNow | |||
Clouds were expected to reduce daytime heating, with temperatures in the upper 60s. Thunderstorms are likely in the afternoon, bringing gusts up to 35 mph and light rainfall. Warmer, drier conditions were forecast for Sunday.
Fire behavior was expected to be moderate, creeping and smoldering in the morning and isolated torching possible later in the day.
