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Middle Mamm Fire Updates

Chip Griffith
/
Courtesy Photo

12:20 p.m. October 7 - More Resources Used To Suppress Middle Mamm Fire

Firefighters are focusing efforts on constructing and improving containment lines in all areas that threaten private property. Authorities sayfire managers will use retardant, bucket drops, and other direct and indirect tactics to suppress the fire’s movement.

Recent winds have been predominantly from the southwest, pushing the fire north. On the southern sections, crews are focusing efforts to suppress sections adjacent to private properties. Officials say they will not put firefighters at risk to suppress fire that remains on National Forest System Lands. 

There are currently 185 resources assigned to the Middle Mamm Fire. A recent Multi Mission Aircraft (MMA) infrared flight estimate the fire at 961 acres. 

11:30 a.m. October 6 - More Smoke May Be Visible 

The Middle Mamm Fire grew to 985 acres on Saturday. The growth was mostly a large spot fire that remained almost entirely on National Forest System Lands. 

The Upper Colorado River Fire and Aviation Management Unit says firefighters were able to place retardant and reinforce containment lines to stop spreading. Crews are constructing new containment lines in preparation for firing operations. Operations are likely to occur in late afternoon or early evening Sunday, which will cause increased smoke. 

Firefighters removed vegetation and mowed around structures to avoid any damage. 

A public meeting will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday at the Garfield County Sheriff’s Annex in Rifle. 

2:30 p.m. October 5 - Expanded Closures, Additional Resources Arriving 

Winds on Friday evening pushed the Middle Mamm Fire north, creating a large spot fire in Gant Gulch. As of Friday night, the fire was 941 acres, five acres being on private lands. 

Local forest authorities expanded the emergency area closures to include areas north of the fire. 

Additional resources are arriving to the scene to suppress activity spreading to private lands. Air resources from around the region are dropping retardant and water to slow any spreading. 

A public meeting will be held Sunday evening at 4:00 p.m. at the Garfield County’s Sheriff’s Annex at 106 County Road 333-A in Rifle. 

9:00 p.m. October 4 - Winds Push Middle Mamm Fire

Strong winds pushed the Middle Mamm Fire north into Gulch Friday evening. The Upper Colorado River Fire and Aviation Management Unit said the fire is now estimated at 941 acres. More growth is expected Saturday. 

Additional crews and air resources are expected this weekend. 

Winds are expected to subside on Saturday. Retardant will be dropped along the northwest ridgeline to slow the fire’s progression. An engine is place at the end of West Mamm for structure protection. 

The Garfield County Sheriff’s office closed CR 319 (West Mamm) at the intersection of 322 (Shafer Road). 

 

4:30 p.m. October 4 - Middle Mamm Fire Prompts Emergency Closures

Recent dry, windy weather has spread smoke and increased active fire behavior and potential for growth of the Middle Mamm Fire. 

White River National Forest and other local forest officials issued temporary emergency area closures around the vicinity of the fire in south Rifle. Closures are in effect beginning Friday evening, October 4 until December 31, or until it is rescinded. 

Some spot fires have been observed and were cooled with bucket drops from helicopters Friday. Smoke can be visible from Carbondale and Glenwood Springs. 

The Middle Mamm Fire is burning in a remote area 10 miles south of Rifle. It was caused by lightning and first detected on July 28th. As of October 4, the fire has burned about 320 acres.