Pike & San Isabel National Forests Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands Fire Information: Fire Activity 8/25/2020

Willis Creek Fire

See updates below bullet statements

Time Reported: 8/25/20 at 7:26 am

Size: 16 acres
Location: Pueblo County, San Carlos Ranger District, 1.5 miles North East of Lake Isabel, CO.
Jurisdiction: USFS, CO.
Resources: Forest Service, BLM and multiple cooperators, 1 Type 3 Helicopter, 1 Type 1 Helicopter, 3 Large Air Tankers (LAT).
Containment: 100%
Controlled: 9/5/2020
Structures Threatened: N\A
Pre-Evacuations and Evacuations: Pre-evacuation notices were lifted on 8/26. Please go to the Custer County Emergency Management Facebook page for current information related to pre-evacuations, evacuations, and closures. Pre-evacuation notices were in effect for: San Isabel; Highway 165 from Highway 78 (12-Mile Road) to San Isabel; and Highway 78 from San Carlos Trailhead to Highway 165.
Closures: none
Cause: lightning
Fuels: Mixed Conifer/ Brush
#WillisCreekfire_CO

Update 8/28/2020 at 2:30 pm: The #WillisCreekfire_CO is 100% contained. Firefighters remain on the fire working towards achieving controlled status. #SanCarlosRD

Update 8/28/2020 at 8:00 am: There's one 20 person hand-crew on the fire today that will be improving fireline and mopping up hotspots. Incident released two hand-crews that will be resigned to other fires and the Monument Helitac was also released and will be available for initial attack on any new fire.

Update 8/27/2020 at 3:00 pm: The incident transitioned from a Type 3 to a Type 4 team at 3:00 pm today.

Update 8/26/2020 at 8:30 pm: The type 1 helicopters and county resources have been released from the incident.

Update 8/26/2020 at 5:00 pm: Willis Creek Fire has 75% containment

Update 8/26/2020 at 3:30 pm: All pre-evacuation notices have been lifted.

Update 8/26/2020 at 8:00 am: Firefighters worked through the night and there was no increase in the size of the fire. Today firefighters will continue to construct fire line and watch for spot fires outside the perimeter of the main fire. Helicopter drops will continue. Structure protection resources are staffed at Aspen Acres subdivision and the Scout Camp.

Update 8/25/2020 at 8:00 pm: The #WillisCreekfire_CO is 16 acres. The change in acreage is due to firefighters mapping the perimeter on the ground. The fire is 25% contained tonight.

Update 8/25/2020 at 3:00 pm: The Type 1 Helicopter is utilizing Lake Isabel as a dipping site. Highway 165 will be closed for short intervals as the helicopter dips. There are three Type 2 crews en route. Rye High School is the staging area for firefighters. Highway 165 from Rye to the fire location will see increased firefighting traffic. Please avoid the area, if possible.

Map of location:

Photos and videos: