Delta, Colo., (June 27, 2016) – The Rosebud Fire on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests was reported in the late afternoon on Sunday, June 26. The fire is located on National Forest System lands and surrounded by the same. It is located approximately two miles southwest of the town of Pitkin; three miles northeast of Ohio City; and two miles west of Waunita Pass, Colorado. The fire is approximately 5 acres in size. No private land or structures are threatened. A full suppression strategy will be used to put this fire out.
The Rosebud fire is burning in lodgepole pine timber with heavy downed timber (ground fuels) as well. A helicopter and two fire engines with crews responded to the fire. The helicopter helped size up the fire as firefighters hiked in. Bucket drops of water were used to help halt the spread and cool the fire yesterday. Firefighters remained on the fire through the night. A crew of 20 firefighters in addition to the engine crews and other resources will be on the fire on Monday, working to clear timber and cut firelines. A lot of chainsaw work will be required. Helicopter support is expected to continue today as well on the fire
Smoke from this fire is highly visible from County Road 76. The public is asked to avoid stopping to look at the fire and to avoid this area for public and firefighter safety. Persons in the area with sensitivity to smoke are cautioned to take necessary accommodations. Fire smoke may affect your health. For more information see: www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.
When managing any wildland fire, the most important consideration is safety of the firefighters, the public and private property. In addition, PLEASE refrain from using any drones in the wildfire area. When drones fly, aerial resources cannot and this can result in affecting the ability to contain and control fire, as well as cause accidents, injury and even death for aerial and firefighter resources.
The cooperation of an area landowner to use their ponds to fill the bucket for use by the helicopter are much appreciated.
With the approach of the 4th of July weekend, citizens are reminded that fireworks are illegal on public lands. The combination of a wet spring, winds and high temperatures has created an abundance of fuels on the Forests and elsewhere that can promote wildland fires. Please be careful while recreating; ensure campfires are fully out; smoke in areas where mineral soils; be careful with chainsaws; do not use incendiary ammunition when target shooting; and use caution with fire.
Information on this fire and updates are available on Inciweb: www.inciweb.nwcg.gov
-USDA-
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.