Yesterday began a four-day long wind event, and more firefighters are on hand to fight the Decker Fire. 

In anticipation of this critical fire weather, and to keep meeting the objective of limiting fire spread to private and BLM land, fire managers have increased firefighters and equipment.  The fire currently remains in Wilderness.  As the fire approaches management action points, more aggressive tactics may be utilized to keep the fire’s edge in check. 

Crews on the northeast side of the fire will continue constructing firelines today, working to join it to the 101 Road.  Structure protection crews will work with residents in the Bear Creek, Silver Heels and Pine Ridge neighborhoods, engaging in mitigation efforts and creating defensible space. 

A closure order remains in effect for Forest Service roads 101 and 101A and the Rainbow Trail south of Forest Service road 108 to the 1403 Trail. 

A new closure is in effect for Chaffee County Road 101/Fremont County Road 49 (Bear Creek Road).  The road is open to local traffic only. 

The Decker Fire, burning 9 miles south of Salida, was mapped yesterday at 1,501 acres, with 5 percent containment.  157 firefighting personnel are currently working the fire.

The Decker Fire is being used to remove high risk fuels from the landscape to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire in the future and to limit fire spread to private lands. 

Fire and smoke will continue to be seen from Salida, Howard and the Highway 50 and 285 corridors.