Lowline fire expanding north of Gunnison as firefighters retreat and set backfires

The Lowline fire, caused by lightning, is currently burning in western Colorado north of Gunnison. It has expanded to 1,331 acres as firefighters strategically retreat and set deliberate backfires to lessen the impact of fallen trees in the forest. Federal land managers anticipate that the fire will bring about ecological benefits in the long term.

The fire is located on public land managed by the U.S. Forest Service, approximately 14 miles north of Gunnison. Due to hazardous conditions, firefighters have been unable to reach certain forest areas where spot fires were ignited by embers on hot days. The back-burning tactic is being employed to deny the approaching flames fuel in order to ultimately contain the fire. Aerial infrared mapping shows that the fire grew by over 300 acres during the weekend.

According to Rick Barton, spokesman for the interagency team of 419 firefighters assigned to suppress the fire, “In places where we can’t safely insert firefighters, we are backing off—areas where heavy trees have come down.” He further explains that the increased acreage in the coming days does not mean that the main fire is spreading, but rather that they are burning off fuel from existing control lines.

The firefighting operations also rely on anticipated rain, which is forecasted for Monday afternoon and later in the week, to aid in controlling the fire. So far, no buildings have been destroyed, and there have been no reported injuries. Residents of ten homes along County Road 818 were evacuated, while residents of approximately 40 other homes were advised to be ready to evacuate.

The fire is burning on a ridge at an elevation of 9,400 feet, between Squirrel and Mill creeks. Smoke has been observed as flames smolder in dead and fallen trees. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued an air quality alert, urging residents in the vicinity of Gunnison to stay indoors when smoke becomes thick, effective until August 11.

With a full suppression approach, federal officials have deployed bulldozers to create buffers near cabins and ranches to keep the fire away. Barton estimates that it will take several weeks to fully contain the Lowline fire, depending on the amount of rain received.

Over the years, the forests in the area have become densely populated. Fire is a natural part of forest ecology and helps maintain the balance. Federal authorities believe that the Lowline fire, being a low-intensity fire, will have positive ecological effects by clearing dead material and improving the overall health of the area.

“We’re not managing it for that purpose. We are doing full suppression. But there are going to be some good ecological benefits out of this fire,” Barton said.

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