Muddy Slide Fire prompts evacuations in Routt County, Colorado

3:22 p.m. MDT June 23, 2021

Muddy Slide Fire map Colorado
Map showing heat detected by satellites on the Muddy Slide Fire at 3 a.m. MDT June 23, 2021.

The Muddy Slide Fire 21 miles south of Steamboat Springs, Colorado has burned approximately 3,000 acres at elevations ranging from 8,300 to 10,000 feet. A few decades ago forests at these elevations were too wet to burn frequently. Last year and this year we have seen it happening on a number of fires. Right now the 3,500-acre Sylvan Fire is burning above 9,000 feet 13 miles south of Eagle, Colorado.

Mandatory evacuations have been ordered on the Muddy Slide Fire for residents on County Road 16 between mile markers 12 and 21.

The fire was very active Tuesday spreading south and southeast with crowning, wind driven runs, and long-range spotting. It continued to burn actively throughout the night.

The Rocky Mountain Blue Type 2 incident management team has been ordered. Tuesday evening firefighting resources assigned to the fire included 3 hand crews, 4 engines, and 4 helicopters, for a total of 101 personnel.  An additional eight hand crews are on order.

Smoke Colorado Muddy Slide Fire
Smoke from the Muddy Slide Fire as seen from the Incident Command Post at 8 p.m. June 22, 2021. InciWeb photo.

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Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.

One thought on “Muddy Slide Fire prompts evacuations in Routt County, Colorado”

  1. dang – we camped up there on Rock Creek back in 2012. looking at google street view it’s a totally different and dry country now, even after only 9 years.

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