A closure order is now in effect for portions of the Decker Fire area on National Forest lands to protect natural resources and public safety.

The closure includes portions of Forest Service roads 101 and 101A on National Forest Lands and the Rainbow Trail south of Forest Service road 108 to the 1403 Trail. 

The Decker Fire, burning 9 miles south of Salida, was mapped yesterday at 1,195 acres. 

A K-MAX helicopter has arrived to help fight the fire.  K-MAX helicopters are unique looking and very capable of carrying heavy loads and high elevation.  They can carry 600 gallons of water to drop on fires.  This is a resource that will aid firefighters in herding the Decker Fire to stay in the Wilderness.

The dead and down fuel component continues to be the main driver for fire activity. 

Today’s forecast calls for sunny skies, warm temperatures and low relative humidity. Without clouds, the fire will be more active.

The Decker Fire is being used to remove high risk fuels from the landscape to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire in the future. 

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