Contact: Patrick Kieran Public Information Officer (720) 679-4234

Location: Approximately 18 miles Northwest of Craig, Colorado.

Jurisdiction: Bureau of Land Management, Little Snake Field Office, Private, Moffat County

Discovered: 09/29/2023 11:56 a.m. Cause: Under Investigation

Vegetation Type: Grass, Sagebrush Estimated size: 7,361 acres

Containment: 0% Threatened Structures: 6

Current Status: The Iron Fire started Friday, September 29th at 11:56 a.m. There was rapid rates of spread and extreme fire behavior observed. Gusty winds, receptive fuel bed, remote, and rugged terrain led to initial large fire growth. Ground and aviation resources responded conducting suppression operations throughout the shift. The Northwest Interagency Fire Type 3 Team assumed command. Engines, Hand Crews, Heavy Equipment, and Aviation worked together past sundown. Currently, there are 54 firefighters working towards full containment. Red Flag Warning is in effect today due to gusty winds, critical fuels and low humidities. Winds could reach 40 mph this afternoon on the fire location. Winds are expected to reach 45 mph on Sunday, October 1st. The fire area has a 40% of precipitation on Monday October 2nd.

Planned Actions: Northwest Interagency Fire Type 3 Team has mixed suppression resources and are working toward 100% Containment of the Iron Fire. Utilizing roads, trails, bulldozer lines, Engines and Hand Crews can perform suppression actions. Aviation is still commited and can be used until wind speeds does not permit.

Evacuations: No evacuations.

Closures: Moffat County Road 17 is closed from County Road 7 to County Road 3. County Road 5 is closed from County Road 3 to County Road 7 for Firefighter and Public safety.

Smoke: Smoke will be visible from Highway 13; County Road 3 and 7. Smoke is not anticipated to impact any roadway directly. Go to https://www.airnow.gov/ to view local airsheds and National Smoke Report.

Aviation Safety: Aircraft is still being used on the Iron Fire. Fire aviation resources are flying at different altitudes and speeds. Pilots should exercise caution when flying near wildfires to keep everyone safe. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones must never fly near wildfires, as UAS are difficult to see and drone pilots have no way of communicang with firefighting aircraft. The only UAS or drones able to fly are agency owned and operated and have been assigned to work on the wildfire and have communicatuon with air operations. Remember if you fly, we can’t!

For updated information follow: htps://www.facebook.com/BLMColoradoFire