August 10th 2024.
According to fire officials, the Bucktail fire in Montrose County has experienced a significant increase in size since Wednesday, now burning on over 7,200 acres. This is almost double the size it was just three days ago, when it was only 3,788 acres. The fire is currently located on a combination of private and national forest land near the town of Nucla.
The fire is primarily burning through pinyon pine, juniper, and brush oak, and has spread from private land to areas managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management within the Uncompahgre National Forest. A map provided by fire officials shows the extent of the fire's reach.
Officials have determined that the Bucktail fire began around 11:20 a.m. on August 1st, originating in the Bucktail drainage area about 6.5 miles northeast of Nucla on private property. From there, the flames quickly spread to nearby BLM land and then into the national forest.
Despite ongoing efforts to contain the fire, it is currently only 10% contained. This means that while crews have been working hard to create containment lines around the perimeter of the fire, it continues to spread. It's important to understand that containment does not equate to complete extinguishment or elimination of danger. While it is a positive sign of progress, the level of safety around or within the fire is not always directly linked to the containment percentage.
The cause of the Bucktail fire is still under investigation, and no evacuation orders have been issued at this time. However, multiple roads in the surrounding area have been closed for safety reasons. These include 25 Mesa Road to the northwest of the fire, as well as Houser Road and Cottonwood Trail to the south. Fire officials urge the public to avoid these areas and to abide by all road closures and trail restrictions.
It's important to stay informed about the ongoing situation and to follow the guidance of fire officials. As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, it's crucial to exercise caution and to stay updated on any potential changes or developments.
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