Operations were still ongoing over the weekend for the Bucktail Fire. Public information officer for Nucla-Naturita Fire Department Jeff Stephens told the San Miguel Basin Forum the fire camp was shut down last Thursday or Friday, Aug. 15 or 16 — but, according to the communications specialist from the USFS, two crews were to remain on the scene “conducting mop-up operations, while monitoring the remaining hotspots located within the containment lines of the fire.”
Initially, the local fire department in the West End responded to the Bucktail Fire, with Norwood Fire Department responding at the same time in mutual support. Telluride Fire Department also came in as the fire grew. Stephens said BLM fire assets were on the scene at the very beginning too, and then the BLM assumed command.
“Agencies from all over the country responded to this fire,” Stephens said. “Everyone did a great job, with no loss of life.”
Stephens confirmed resources from Nucla-Naturita Fire were released from the Bucktail Fire mid-week, last week.
“I have no word on what the USFS/BLM crews are doing on the fire over the weekend,” he said.
And, that meant the food service, for which so many local volunteers gave of their time and resources, stopped.
“The food services for the fire served breakfast and lunch at fire camp on Thursday, Aug. 15, for the last service for the Bucktail Fire,” Stephens said.
Many locals participated in that effort of feeding fire crews.
“The local citizens and businesses began responding on Day One to ensure that firefighters were fed and hydrated,” Stephens said. “It is a true testament to the spirit of our community how so many people came together to organize, cook, transport the food and feed the firefighters three meals a day for nearly 200 people.”
Stephens said as the fire grew, Saucy Mama’s, a pizza business of Nucla, was eventually contracted to provide meals.
“With only two of them, they had to temporarily hire help to fulfill the need,” he said. “These people who gave so much of their time, money, food (and more) were working 12-14 hours a day, without a complaint. They are the true heroes of the Bucktail Fire.”
The fire, which began Aug. 1, is reportedly human-caused. Montrose County Sheriff Gene Lillard told the Forum more than a week ago that there was an investigation happening.
West End Commander Bruce Schmalz confirmed that, and while he did not contribute further information, Schmalz agreed “it was human-caused, and it is currently under investigation by the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office. … More information will be coming.”
The USFS had been doing daily updates on the Bucktail Fire, until Aug. 13, when it became 83 percent contained and crews began being pulled from duty.
On Aug. 15, Lillard removed fire restrictions in place for unincorporated parts of the county, after monsoons had begun to change the danger.
“Firefighters continue to make strong containment progress on the Bucktail Fire burning in the West End of Montrose County,” a county press release said Aug. 15. “Montrose County is grateful to the fire personnel, volunteers and support staff that have been working on the Bucktail Fire since Aug. 1.”
“Residents and visitors are encouraged to use caution when burning,” the press release added. “Please make sure to have water and shovels readily available when burning and always call dispatch at 970-249-9110 before and after burning.”
The public is also encouraged to visit westslopefireinfo.com for information on restrictions in surrounding areas and to view the latest fire-related information.
