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South Rim Fire - Wikipedia Jump to content

South Rim Fire

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Coordinates: 38°33′29″N 107°43′9″W / 38.55806°N 107.71917°W / 38.55806; -107.71917
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

South Rim Fire
Part of the 2025 Colorado wildfires
Refer to caption
A plane dropping fire retardant on the blaze on July 11
Date(s)
  • July 10 (10-07) –
  • September 18, 2025 (2025-09-18)
  • (70 days)
LocationBlack Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, US
Coordinates38°33′29″N 107°43′9″W / 38.55806°N 107.71917°W / 38.55806; -107.71917
Statistics
Perimeter100% contained
Burned area4,232 acres (1,713 ha; 17.13 km2)
Impacts
Deaths0
Non-fatal injuries1
Structures destroyed6 main, several visitors facilities, several campsites
Damage$15.3 million in suppression (2025 USD)
Ignition
CauseLightning

The South Rim Fire was a wildfire that burned in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado, United States. The fire ignited on July 10, 2025, from a lightning strike; the national park was completely closed, and visitors were evacuated. Ultimately, the fire destroyed at least six structures, including structures owned by the National Park Service and visitor facilities. The South Rim Fire reached 100% containment on September 18, after burning a total of 4,232 acres (1,713 ha; 17.13 km2).

Background

[edit]

Around the time the South Rim Fire ignited from lightning on July 10, high temperatures as high as 90 °F, extremely low humidity and moisture, and strong winds complicated suppression efforts and increased the fire's growth rate and spread.[1] The fire burned in steep, rugged, and inaccessible terrain, which complicated suppression efforts. Additionally, crews could not safely go into the canyon to determine whether all the hot spots had been extinguished, so complete containment was not easily confirmed until precipitation moved into the area.[2]

Cause

[edit]

On July 10, a dry thunderstorm swept through Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, starting two wildfires. One, the North Rim Fire, was controlled with without much problem, but the South Rim Fire escalated and spread out of control. The thunderstorm ignited twelve other wildfires in that dispatch area.[3][4]

Progression

[edit]

July

[edit]
The South Rim Fire burning in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, viewed on July 11

The South Rim Fire started on July 10 from dry lightning strikes.[3] Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park was closed, and all visitors and staff were evacuated from the area. The Colorado State Patrol was called in to evacuate campers in the area. A red-flag warning was in effect until 8 pm that night.[5] The fire spread overnight into the next morning, reaching a size of 1,460 acres (590 ha) by the morning of July 11. Another red-flag warning remained in place until 8 pm that night as well, from gusty winds, low humidity levels, and dry brush.[6] More evacuations were put into place that night, and State Route 347 was closed except for local traffic. While protection efforts for the visitor's center was successful, separate park equipment and outbuildings were destroyed. Over 300 firefighters, including some dispatched from Oregon, were combating the blaze.[7]

The fire remained active and rapidly spread on July 12, nearly doubling in size after spreading to 2,892 acres (1,170 ha). Crews prioritized on minimizing spread into the canyon, and hot, dry weather remained a major factor in spread.[8][1] Governor Jared Polis declared a state of emergency on July 13 as the fire expanded to 3,758 acres (1,521 ha). Concerns were around critical infrastructure, and the Blue Mesa Reservoir was closed to aide aerial crews.[9] Separately, disaster declaration were issued for Montrose, Mesa, and Delta counties for the South Rim, Turner Gulch, and Sowbelly Fires. Growth was observed mostly on the southeastern edge of the blaze, which was where most crews were stationed.[10]

The fire grew overnight to 3,556 acres (1,439 ha), fueled by winds gusting up to 40 mph (64 km/h) and dry grasses on the northwestern area, while containment remained at 0%. Up until then, suppression cost $3.6 million.[11] The next day, while original estimates placed the fire at just 77 acres (31 ha) above July 14's estimate, a thunderstorm moved over the area, creating gusty winds and causing the blaze to rapidly spread.[12] Heavy smoke was whipped up, causing visibility issues for the firefighters. However, retardant drops on the northern edge of the perimeter helped crews gain control in that area. Once calculations were finished, it was confirmed the South Rim Fire was now 4,160 acres (1,680 ha) large.[13]

Crews were extinguishing hot spots around the fire's perimeter. Officials struggled on how to extinguish heat on the northwestern edge of the fire in very steep terrain, and began to evaluate several options to extinguish hot spots in those areas.[14] However, containment reached 12% on July 18, along the southwestern edge where damage was sustained to the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Cloud cover and cooler temperatures aided the containment efforts, even though crews could not safely drop into the canyon and relied on aerial crews for certain areas.[15]

On July 19, a firefighter removing trees with a chainsaw severely injured his left hand.[16] Containment grew to 14%, and officials investigated and went through Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Up to seven national park employees were relocated to Curecanti National Recreation Area.[17] Containment increased to 21%, while size grew to 4,252 acres (1,721 ha), and over 500 firefighters were fighting the blaze whose spread had noticeably slowed down.[18] The closure for Blue Mesa Reservoir was lifted later that day, and State Route 347 reopened.[19] Favorable weather aided firefighter's efforts to dig fire lines around the perimeter, further increasing containment to 31%.[20]

It was announced that North Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park would reopen to visitors a week after July 26. Officials stated containment could remain low due to steep and inaccessible terrain.[21] Containment increased to 41% by July 29, but dangerous terrain for firefighters forced personnel to use drones to detect hot spots.[22] On July 30, management of the fire transitioned to a Type 4 incident management team, where suppression efforts would occur with local materials and personnel.[23]

August and September

[edit]

Despite receiving heavy winds, hail, and lightning during July 31, crews managed to raise containment to 52% by August 2.[24] The only fire activity smoldering inside the fire's perimeter in inaccessible areas.[25] The United States Forest Service stopped providing updates on the South Rim Fire due to the dangerous and inaccessible terrain on August 10.[26]

The South Rim of Black Canyon reopened on August 18, although several campgrounds and trails remained closed to the public.[27] Containment further increased to 60% that day, and suppression mostly involved monitoring the fire's perimeter.[28] 24-hour operations resumed at the South Rim, and more viewpoints and the main road reopened on August 29.[29]

On September 18, 2025, crews achieved 100% containment on the South Rim Fire, after burning a total of 4,232 acres (1,713 ha).[30] The South Rim Fire cost $15.3 million in suppression efforts.[30]

Effects

[edit]

Park infrastructure for Black Canyon of the Gunnison was heavily damaged or destroyed. Most of the 88 campgrounds on the South Rim were destroyed, along with a large observation deck, seven toilets, and a warehouse with heavy equipment.[15] Several other main buildings were also demolished.[31] While removing trees with a chainsaw on July 19, one firefighter severely injured his left hand from the blade.[16]

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park was entirely closed after the fire started. The North Rim reopened on July 30, and the South Rim began to reopen on August 18.[32] The main road and more lookout points fully reopened on August 29.[29] On the evening of July 11, evacuations were issued for all visitors and staff of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and residents in surrounding areas. State Route 347 was closed at the junction with U.S. Route 50.[33]

The South Rim Fire prompted an air quality advisory for Southwest Colorado, including Grand Junction, Silverton, and Lake City.[34] The burn scar of the fire poses a risk of mudslides, rockfalls, and debris flow, which is a threat to anyone in the East Portal of Black Canyon.[26]

Growth and containment table

[edit]
Fire containment status Gray: contained; Red: active; %: percent contained;
Date Area burned Personnel Containment
July 10[35] 1,640 acres (660 ha; 6.6 km2) . . .
0%
July 11[36] . . .
0%
July 12[37] 2,896 acres (1,172 ha; 11.72 km2) 72
0%
July 13[38] 3,556 acres (1,439 ha; 14.39 km2) 190
0%
July 14[39] 3,633 acres (1,470 ha; 14.70 km2) 330
0%
July 15[40] 3,988 acres (1,614 ha; 16.14 km2) 299
0%
July 16[41] 4,160 acres (1,680 ha; 16.8 km2) 420
0%
July 17[42] 4,179 acres (1,691 ha; 16.91 km2) 458
0%
July 18[43] 4,227 acres (1,711 ha; 17.11 km2) 457
14%
July 19[44] 4,251 acres (1,720 ha; 17.20 km2) 540
14%
July 20[45] 4,252 acres (1,721 ha; 17.21 km2) 510
21%
July 21[46] 4,220 acres (1,710 ha; 17.1 km2) 514
31%
July 22[47] 450
July 23[48] 383
July 24[49] 373
32%
July 25[50] 4,230 acres (1,710 ha; 17.1 km2) 317
32%
July 26[51] 4,232 acres (1,713 ha; 17.13 km2) 255
32%
July 27[52] 169
41%
July 28[53] 102
July 29[54] 99
July 30[55] 95
52%
July 31[56] 84
. . . . . . . . . . . .
August 19[28] 4,232 acres (1,713 ha; 17.13 km2) . . .
60%
. . . . . . . . . . . .
September 18[30] 4,232 acres (1,713 ha; 17.13 km2) 1
100%

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Erblat, Austen (July 12, 2025). "South Rim Fire in western Colorado nearly doubles in size overnight to almost 3,000 acres with no containment". CBS News. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  2. ^ Prentzel, Olivia (July 30, 2025). "A team of scientists is helping this Colorado national park recover from wildfire. Nature will do the rest". The Colorado Sun. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  3. ^ a b Sarles, Jesse (July 31, 2025). "Section of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado reopens; South Rim Fire remains active". CBS News. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  4. ^ Demosthenous, Bella (July 28, 2025). "UPDATE: South Rim Fire reaches 41% containment". KJCT-CD. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  5. ^ Prentzel, Olivia (July 10, 2025). "Wildfires burning on both rims of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park; 2 houses lost in wildfire near Buena Vista". The Colorado Sun. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  6. ^ Prentzel, Olivia (July 11, 2025). "South Rim fire burning in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park grows to 1,640 acres". KUNC. The Colorado Sun. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  7. ^ Thakore, Ishan; Wendland, Tegan (July 11, 2025). "Fire at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park still not contained heading into dry, hot weekend". Colorado Public Radio. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  8. ^ Langford, Katie (July 12, 2025). ""Rapidly moving" South Rim fire in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park forces more evacuations". The Denver Post. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  9. ^ Wendland, Tegan (July 13, 2025). "Gov. Polis declares emergency as South Rim fire in Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park grows, still zero percent contained". Colorado Public Radio. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  10. ^ Krause, David (July 13, 2025). "3 western Colorado counties under disaster declaration as wildfires scorch thousands of acres". The Colorado Sun. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  11. ^ Thakore, Ishan (July 14, 2025). "Fires continue burning across much of Colorado as hot, dry conditions persist". Colorado Public Radio. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  12. ^ Penington, Lauren; Klamann, Seth (July 14, 2025). "Colorado wildfires: More evacuations issued for Turner Gulch fire on Colorado's Western Slope". The Denver Post. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  13. ^ McCrindle, Alex (July 16, 2025). "South Rim Fire closes Black Canyon National Park". Gunnison Country Times. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  14. ^ Leonard, Brianna (July 17, 2025). "South Rim Fire in western Colorado grows to over 4,000 acres". KKTV. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  15. ^ a b Salvatierra, Lia (July 18, 2025). "Crews start to gain ground on South Rim Fire". Ouray News. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  16. ^ a b "South Rim Fire Chainsaw Cut 2025". lessons.wildfire.gov. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  17. ^ Tubbs, Justin (July 19, 2025). "South Rim more than 80% burned as firefighters continue efforts at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park". Montrose Business Times. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  18. ^ Logerwell, Michael (July 20, 2025). "WILDFIRE WATCH: Sunday's update on Black Canyon's South Rim fire". KRDO. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  19. ^ Adams, Wes (July 21, 2025). "Colorado's South Rim Fire In Black Canyon: What You Need To Know". KEKB-FM. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  20. ^ Trela, Nate (July 22, 2025). "5 major Colorado wildfires continue to burn. Here's the latest on the fires". Fort Collins Coloradoan. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  21. ^ Langford, Katie (July 26, 2025). "Black Canyon of the Gunnison's north rim to reopen next week". The Denver Post. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  22. ^ Demosthenous, Bella (July 29, 2025). "UPDATE: South Rim Fire reaches 41% containment". KKCO. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  23. ^ Metcalf, Grace (July 31, 2025). "New team takes over South Rim Fire fight; North Rim opens". KKCO. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  24. ^ "South Rim fire, Aug. 2". gazette.com. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  25. ^ Swanson, Sady (August 5, 2025). "Why is Fort Collins so smoky? Wildfires continue to burn on Colorado's Western Slope". Fort Collins Coloradoan. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  26. ^ a b "Colorado wildfires: Elk Fire containment jumps to 75% Tuesday, as Lee Fire containment drops to 4%". KMGH-TV. August 10, 2025. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  27. ^ Deal, Nathan (August 16, 2025). "Black Canyon South Rim to reopen Aug. 18". The Daily Sentinel. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  28. ^ a b Wendland, Tegan (August 18, 2025). "Firefighters make progress containing Lee Fire". Colorado Public Radio. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  29. ^ a b Swanson, Christa (August 29, 2025). "National park in Colorado reopens lookout points, main road after large wildfire damages forest". CBS News. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  30. ^ a b c "South Rim - Wildfire and Smoke Map". data.coloradoan.com. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  31. ^ Leonard, Brianna (July 18, 2025). "South Rim Fire 14% contained, several buildings in Gunnison National Park heavily damaged". KKTV. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  32. ^ Swanson, Christa (August 14, 2025). "National park in Colorado to partially reopen, repairs underway after fire burns over 4,000 acres". CBS News. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  33. ^ Sinclair, Brenna (July 11, 2025). "Montrose County orders evacuations for South Rim Fire". KREX-TV. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  34. ^ Brasch, Sam (July 15, 2025). "South Rim Fire now over 4,000 acres with zero containment, Black Canyon of the Gunnison remains closed". Colorado Public Radio. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  35. ^ "South Rim Fire Update 07-10-2025". InciWeb. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  36. ^ "South Rim Fire Update 07-11-2025". InciWeb. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  37. ^ "South Rim Fire Update 07-12-2025". InciWeb. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  38. ^ "South Rim Fire Update 07-13-2025". InciWeb. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  39. ^ "South Rim Fire Update 07-14-2025". InciWeb. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  40. ^ "South Rim Fire Update 07-15-2025". InciWeb. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  41. ^ "South Rim Fire Update 07-16-2025". InciWeb. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  42. ^ "South Rim Fire Update 07-17-2025". InciWeb. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  43. ^ "South Rim Fire Update 07-18-2025". InciWeb. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  44. ^ "South Rim Fire Update 07-19-2025". InciWeb. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  45. ^ "South Rim Fire Update 07-20-2025". InciWeb. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  46. ^ "South Rim Fire Update 07-21-2025". InciWeb. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  47. ^ "South Rim Fire Update 07-22-2025". InciWeb. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  48. ^ "South Rim Fire Update 07-23-2025". InciWeb. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  49. ^ "South Rim Fire Update 07-24-2025". InciWeb. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  50. ^ "South Rim Fire Update 07-25-2025". InciWeb. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  51. ^ "South Rim Fire Update 07-26-2025". InciWeb. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  52. ^ "South Rim Fire Update 07-27-2025". InciWeb. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  53. ^ "South Rim Fire Update 07-28-2025". InciWeb. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  54. ^ "South Rim Fire Update 07-29-2025". InciWeb. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  55. ^ "South Rim Fire 07-30-2025". InciWeb. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
  56. ^ "South Rim Fire Update 07-31-2025". InciWeb. Retrieved September 1, 2025.
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