Colorado’s South Rim Fire In Black Canyon: What You Need To Know
Firefighters and First Responders continue to battle the South Rim Fire inside the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one of four major wildfires burning in Western Colorado in July.
Since July 10, the fire has severely damaged nearly 85% of the South Rim of the Black Canyon. Keep scrolling for the latest fire containment, travel restrictions, and road closure information for Montrose County.
What Caused the South Rim Wildfire?
The South Rim Wildfire near Montrose, Colorado, has grown to 4,252 acres as of the morning of July 21st. The National Parks Service reports the fire started on July 10th as a result of area lightning strikes within the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
In a YouTube video, News9 says the fire started near Warner Point. According to Fox21, the fire is moving down the canyon. The Southeast corner of the fire is a threat to East Portal Road and Crystal Dam. The West flank is creeping toward Highway 50, pushed by northerly winds.
Fire Size, Containment & Spread
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The size of the fire is reported at 4,252 acres according to InciWeb (an interagency, all-risk incident information management system). Over the weekend, crews used hand tools and heavy equipment to clear vegetation and reinforce firelines to stop the fire from spreading.
More than 500 individuals have been assigned to the South Rim Fire, including 6 aircraft, 10 crews, 24 engines, and 16 pieces of heavy equipment. Fire containment was reported at 31% on July 20th. The containment area stretches northwest from Signal Hill (on the East Portal Road) to the South Rim Welcome Station to Jones Summit, and out through Jones Draw (most recent maps here).
Travel Restrictions & Road Closures
On Sunday (7/20), Stewart West and the National Park Service announced that the closure of the west end of Blue Mesa Reservoir has been rescinded. Watercraft are once again able to access areas west of the middle bridge, including the Lake Fort Boat Ramp. Launches are also available at the Curecanti National Recreation Area.
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park remains CLOSED. Hwy 347 is closed at the junction of Hwy 50. Bostwick Park community in Montrose County is under an evacuation notice. The Montrose County Sheriff’s Office lists additional evacuations for residences on M73, N73, N74, and O74 roads. South Rim Fire Information: Phone: 970-773-5823 (7:00 am to 7:00 pm).
Reports Call Fire Damage Severe at Black Canyon
Montrose Press shared the news on July 15th from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Superintendent Stewart West, who said early estimates indicate 85% of the South Rim has burned.
According to a press release from the National Park Service, the South Rim Visitor Center, the administration building, and the entrance booth survived the fire. According to NPS:
...the facility management building, the Western National Parks warehouse, the welding shop, several pieces of heavy equipment, the South Rim Campground, and numerous bathrooms and overlooks throughout the park burned and were either destroyed or heavily damaged.
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