Northwest 8 Complex Incident Management Team took command of the Elk Fire yesterday evening. Fire activity on the Elk Fire remained low yesterday, supported by two waves of rainfall and elevated humidity. Though little precipitation reached the fire, increased moisture in the air helped moderate fire behavior. Heavy timber and brush fuels continue to support smoldering and creeping behavior. The fire was most active on the southeast side, now established in Independence Gulch within beetle-killed timber, with continued heat pockets and slow spread through grass, brush, and heavy fuels. Helicopters conducted water bucket drops along the fire’s edge to slow progression, and aircraft assigned to the incident also assisted with new wildfire starts in the area.

The fire continues to burn in remote, rugged wilderness terrain with no safe ground access. Because of these conditions, firefighters are using indirect suppression tactics around the perimeter, allowing crews to work safely while establishing a secure containment footprint. Crews are leveraging natural barriers, roads, and strategic landscape features to build firelines and protect values at risk. Firefighter safety remains the top priority.

Today, firefighters will continue to scout opportunities for indirect fireline, focusing on the east and south sides of the fire footprint to strategically position resources. When conditions allow, crews will take advantage of opportunities to utilize direct extinguishment. Structure assessment and protection will continue along Highway 149. On the southern end of the fire, firefighters will work with aircraft to moderate fire intensity and slow fire spread.

Weather: A monsoon weather pattern will continue through next week, bringing daily chances for afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms across the area. Outside of thunderstorms, winds are expected to remain light, with occasional afternoon and early evening gusts of 15–20 mph. Overnight humidity recovery will be good, and daytime relative humidity is expected to remain at 20–30% or higher. While rainfall may help moderate fire activity in some areas, thunderstorms can also produce gusty, erratic winds and lightning, which may influence fire behavior.

Closures: The National Forest has implemented an area closure west of Hwy 149 and north of CR 20 in Hinsdale and Gunnison Counties. Highway 149 remains open. Motorists should expect increased firefighter traffic and a reduced speed limit through the incident area. Slow down, stay alert, and use caution. Alpine Loop remains open. Forest Service roads 877 and 870 (Nellie Creek and Matterhorn Trailheads) to the north are designated side roads that are closed.