Containment increases to 19% despite increased winds on Green Ridge Fire

COLUMBIA and GARFIELD Counties–Despite increased wind speeds, the Green Ridge Fire saw little growth and containment increased to 19%. The fire is currently 36,328 acres, with the additional acreage gained on the southern portion of the fire in Branch II.

Sunday’s gusty winds tested the fire line along the 22 (4022) Road in Division M and fire lines held, keeping the fire in its existing footprint to the north. Divisions G and K were combined into Division K in Branch I. Division K now includes the area along the Kendall Skyline Road and the western portion of the 22 (4022) Road.

The area in the southeast corner of the fire near Oregon Butte is now Division W, replacing Division A. The area south of the fire previously known as Division P is now Division S. Division P is currently the area to the south of the Lick Creek Fire.

Additional containment line was added on the southeast perimeter of the fire on the Kendall Skyline Road and on the eastern portion of the fire along Mountain Road where the Lick Creek Fire and the Green Ridge Fire burned together.

This Monday, August 16, 2021, the fire is expected to continue moving to the south burning unburned pockets of fuel between the fingers that have burned south towards Mt. Misery, Diamond Peak and other points along the fire’s southern perimeter. Firefighters will continue to patrol and improve the fire lines in Division K, engaging in areas where the fire still retains heat along the line. They will also continue to patrol the fire lines in Division M, prepared to engage any possible growth from the fire’s existing boundary.

In Branch II, firefighters will continue to scout for possible contingency lines to the southeast of the Green Ridge fire perimeter in Division P. Construction of indirect fire line is expected to begin later this week.

The Lick Creek fire remains 80,421 acres and 97% contained. The remaining uncontained line is on West Mountain Road, east of Misery Springs campground. Fuels are expected to smolder and torch within the interior of the fire perimeter, which might result in increased smoke. Firefighters will continue to monitor containment lines and mop up any interior pockets of heat where it is safe to do so.