As of Monday evening, the 842 Fire in the HD Mountains near Chimney Rock National Monument expanded to a total of 743 acres, and fire crews expect to burn-out an additional 300 acres in days ahead.
Drip torches will be used during burn-out operations to produce a low-intensity fire and prevent the wildfire from making advances. The method will also reduce the amount of heavy fuel loads deposited on the landscape.
“Smoke from the fire will be more visible as we expect significant acreage growth as a result of today’s operations,” Lance Martin, Type III Incident Commander, said in a press release.
Moderate smoke is expected to be visible from Colorado Highway 151 and U.S. Highway 160 near the HD Mountains and Chimney Rock. People in nearby valleys may experience reduced visibility and should take caution when the smoke settles during evenings and overnight. It tends to be worst at dawn.
According to San Juan Basin Public Health, smoke reaches unhealthy levels when visibility is less than 5 miles.
For more information about getting prepared, visit www.ready.gov/wildfires. For updates and more information about the 842 Fire, contact Chris Tipton, Columbine District fire management officer, at 884-1427, the Columbine District Office at 884-2512, or visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5481.