Montrose, Colorado, May 20, 2022
Name: Simms Fire
Location: 15 miles southwest of Montrose
Size: 370 acres
Cause: Under investigation
Jurisdiction: USFS and BLM
Resources Assigned: 1 large helicopter, 10 engines, 2 water tenders, 1 dozer, 2 fire modules, 1 Type 2 IA crew, 1 Hotshot Crew
Estimated Containment: 15%
Threatened Structures: 10
Structures Lost: 3
Emergency Evacuations: Wildcat Canyon Drainage
Firefighters on the ground with the help of air support were able to make progress toward containment. A half mile of dozer line was completed as well as fire retardant being dropped to create a border around the fire. Firefighters provided structure protection overnight and it remains a high priority into this evening. Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team 1 will assume command at 6 a.m. May 21.
The terrain is steep and rocky in the drainages and flat up on top with rolling hills in pinyon, juniper, ponderosa and aspen trees with brushy vegetation. The fire traveled into a previous Bureau of Land Management prescribed fire treatment which significantly reduced the intensity of the fire and slowed the fire’s progression. The fire saw favorable weather today, including snow, brought by a cold front coming through the area. Minimal mop up was needed.
In the interest of public safety, fire officials ask the public to please avoid the area and respect all emergency closures. Firefighter and public safety remain the priorities on this incident.
The evacuation order has been lifted except for the Wildcat Canyon drainage. T&M Road and Wildcat Canyon Road will be open to residents but are still closed to the public. For more information contact, https://ouraycountyco.gov/272/Emergency-Management
For more information, please call the fire information line at (970) 765-7309.
Fire Information Links:
Simms Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8117/
West Slope Fire Information: www.WestSlopeFireInfo.com
GMUG Fire Info Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GMUGFireInfo
Wildfire fire smoke may affect your health. For more information visit: https://www.colorado.gov/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.
