How officials plan to tackle the South Rim Fire
As of 3:26 p.m. on Friday, the fire has not been contained and has grown to 1,640 acres. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has been evacuated and closed. Additionally, Highway 347 is closed at the junction of Highway 50.
There are no evacuations currently in place in Montrose County outside of the national park; however, pre-evacuations have been issued to residents nearby.
Officials report that smoke may be visible in the area, which can settle into valleys and other low-lying areas at night and in the early morning hours. Residents are advised to avoid as much smoke exposure as possible since prolonged exposure may cause health issues.
On Thursday, officials successfully evacuated the national park and started operations to protect structures by using retardant in vegetation clearing around park structures and homes. A firing operation late Wednesday evening was conducted to protect the Black Canyon visitor center from damage. Some park equipment and outbuildings in the area have been reported to have suffered damage. Meanwhile, aviation resources had provided retardant, mapping and aerial supervision to officials and ground crews.
On Friday at 6 a.m., officials part of a Type 3 Incident Management Team had taken over the incident, in which the team had worked with the park and local cooperators to develop firefighting strategies. Fighterfighters will focus on protecting structures by using engines, water tenders and aircraft if needed. Airtankers and other aviation assets will supply retardant, water buckets and assist with mapping and aerial supervision.
Overall, the incident will focus on the following objectives:
Providing safety for firefighters and the public by using a risk-based approach to decision making.
Protecting critical values, including residences, power infrastructures, cultural sites, the Black Canyon Visitor Center and the administration building.
Limiting fire spread towards critical values by combining the use of heavy equipment, aviation, crews and engines.
For more information about the South Rim Fire, residents can email 2025.southrim@firenet.gov or call 970-240-1070.
WesternSlopeNow will update this story as it develops.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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