RBC I The Lost Solar Fire, burning on the Blanco Ranger District in the Flat Tops Wilderness, has grown in acreage over the past two days due to weather and conditions. The Lost Solar Fire is currently estimated at 2,024 acres.
The fire has been burning since Aug. 8. Due to the fire’s remote location and its natural ignition, the district and local fire personnel from the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit (UCR) are managing the fire with a confine and contain strategy.
Crews have pre-identified a management area around the fire utilizing natural barriers.
“The fire is progressing pretty much as we expected,” stated Curtis Keetch, Blanco District Ranger. “This fire will benefit big game habitat in the long run by providing new forage and growth.”
Smoke is visible from Garfield, Eagle and Rio Blanco Counties. There are no structures threatened. There is currently a Public Safety Closure Order of Lost Solar Trail #1828 and surrounding areas. Hunters and recreationists are advised to check in at the Ranger Station in Meeker before recreating in the vicinity of the fire.
The fire is burning northwards into the Lost Solar Drainage in Wilderness. Currently one crew, (approximately 10 firefighters) is monitoring the fire from the ground and crews are actively monitoring the fire from the air. Additional resources are being considered based on current behavior and expected fire weather.
For more information contact the Blanco Ranger Station at 970-878-4039 or visit the office at 220 East Market Street Meeker, Colo. 81641.