MONTROSE COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) – The South Rim Fire grew another 100 acres as firefighters attempt contain the blaze that evacuated the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and nearby neighborhoods last week.
As of Monday morning, the lightning-caused South Rim Fire was mapped at 3,633 acres with zero containment. Over 300 personnel are working on the blaze.
Management of the South Rim Fire was transferred on Monday from the San Juan Type 3 Team 8 over to the Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team 3 (RM CIMT 3). Two aircraft, five crews, eight engines, two dozers and four water tenders are being used to fight the blaze.
According to RM CIMT 3, fire activity was moderate for most of the day Sunday. Crews used the time to work on the handline on the north side of the blaze.
The firefighters also set up hose lays along the northwest while helicopters dropped water to help reduce the wildfire from spreading, RM CIMT 3 stated. Crews also worked on handlines along 347 Road below the area burned in the Warner Fire in 1996, as the blaze was burning back into itself along the east side.
In the evening, a thunderstorm with gusty winds passed over the fire, making it “extremely active and unpredictable,” according to RM CIMT 3. Heavy smoke also limited visibility, which caused issues with how to safely engage in suppression efforts.
Going forward, two water scooper aircraft have been ordered and are expected to arrive later Monday. Crews also developed a structure protection plan for the Bostwick Park community and implemented it on Monday.
Firefighters will monitor the fire on the northeast side as it’s mostly burning back into itself, RM CIMT 3 stated.
On the southeast end, crews and dozer operators will work on keeping the fire from affecting the transmission lines on the East Portal Road, which provides power to Crystal Dam.
Although the forecast shows a chance for showers, it is possible to see a repeat of increased fire activity, according to RM CIMT 3.
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