SALIDA — Due to the expected freezing temperatures and precipitation, fire managers scouted the fire access roads Thursday morning to determine if conditions prohibit safe driving conditions for fire personnel. Decker Fire Logistics teams have erected yurts and set up generators, heaters, lights, and provided antifreeze for equipment. All firefighters and crewmembers have been provided warm, dry places to sleep.

Weather: The high temperature this morning, in the mid 30s, will decrease to 20 degrees by 6:00 p.m. SE valley winds 5-10 mph gusting to 15 mph will turn to the NW later in the day. Ridgetop winds from the SW 5-15 mph with gusts 25-30 mph will also change to the NW by 6:00 p.m. The winds and low temperatures will create a possible wind chill of +5 to -15 degrees. Any precipitation (snow) will be expected between 9:00 AM and noon. Minimum humidity will be 60-65% across the fire area.

Current Situation: Wednesday, residents in Howard experienced smoky conditions from moderate fire behavior as strong winds reached the two ‘fingers’ on the eastern side of the fire.

This resulted in the fire slowly burning toward the east. In the north on Division R, crews completed work along Co. Rd 124 and the Rainbow Trail.

The dozer line to the west will remain the main control feature for this part of the fire.

To the northeast on Division T, firefighters completed work along the handline running from the Columbine Trail south along the Rainbow Trail.

Burn plans for this area have been completed and approved. Crews in Division W to the southeast completed work along contingency lines west of Howard. In Division X, to the south, handline and contingency line is complete. Crews in Division A continued to remove fuels from the path of the fire by applying limited amounts of fire to the ground between the fire and the dozer line. This burn operation created the smoke that winds pushed toward Salida yesterday.

Thursday, heavy fuels were expected to continue to smolder, and strong wind gusts can transport embers. However, significant fire activity is not expected.

Crews in Division R will pull brush and work to hold the completed line to the north. Firefighters in Division T will check plumbing along the handline that runs along the Rainbow Trail. The approved burn plans will be reviewed in preparation for firing operations when weather presents favorable conditions. In Division W to the SE firefighters have completed contingency lines.

A small section of dozer line is being built along Muddy Creek to the fire edge for access.

In Division X, crews will monitor completed direct, indirect and contingency lines.

Firefighters in Division A hold and improve completed lines. Structure protection groups in Howard will protect equipment (pumps, hoses, etc.) from freezing weather.

Initial attack resources for new starts are included in the Structure Group. The night shift will continue to monitor established fire lines.

Thursday’s map had a new brown line. This brown line dictates a section of the fire edge that presents ‘minimal threat’ from fire spread and ‘limited action’ needed. These lines are in areas of extreme terrain where fire is not expected to progress; thus it does not warrant the risk exposure to firefighters. These areas will be monitored closely; air resources may be used to limit fire progress as needed.