Simms Fire Update 5/23/22 9am

Simms Fire Update

Monday May 23, 2022 – 9:00am
Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team One
Dan Dallas, Incident Commander

Current Situation:

The Simms Fire remains at 373 acres and is now 90 percent contained.  Firefighters continue to make good progress on strengthening existing containment lines by mopping up well within the perimeter to ensure that containment lines will hold.  Mopping up involves removing heat sources next to the line to ensure that the fire will remain within the perimeter under any weather conditions.  Well within the interior, hot spots will remain, and the public is reminded that they may see smoke and even pockets of open flame as large dead debris, such as logs and stumps, continue to burn and are fully consumed.

Located on the west side of the fire, Division A saw considerable work done as firefighters continue to mop up and secure the contained portion of the fire’s edge.  A large vegetation mastication machine was used to remove vegetation to create a fuel break on the remaining uncontained portion of the fireline.  Firefighters will focus on mopping up in this area to further increase containment.

Located on the east side of the fire, Division Z had firefighters spread out over the entire division, improving the fireline and giving special attention to the head of the fire. Personnel continue to work to remove any residual heat to secure and protect structures.

Safety: Careful consideration for public and firefighter safety remains the top priority on this incident. As always, crews remain cautious, both on the fireline and while traveling to and from the fire. The CIMT1 has implemented sound practices to reduce the potential for the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases to improve the health of firefighters and the communities served. Leading into the fire area, Wildcat Canyon and T & M Roads remain closed. Firefighters request that the public avoid the affected area out of respect for community and firefighter safety.

Weather & Fuel Conditions: Today will be slightly cooler than yesterday with a high near 65 degrees and 17 percent relative humidity. Cloud cover of about 70 percent will help slow down the rate fuels will dry out. Today will be slightly less windy than yesterday, but there is still a threat of wind gusts up to 25 miles per hour. There is a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms tomorrow afternoon.

Evacuations and Fire Restrictions: T&M Road and Wildcat Canyon Road remain open to residents but are still closed to the public. There are no evacuation orders in place currently. For more information contact https://ouraycountyco.gov/272/Emergency-Management.