The Maroon Fire, detected on Sept. 13 in the Aspen area, approximately one mile northwest of Highlands Bowl, is actively producing smoke. The fire is one-tenth of an acre and burning in mixed conifer. The fire is currently burning at approximately 9,500 feet in elevation in steep and rocky terrain. Smoke may be visible from Aspen, Maroon Creek Road and Highway 82. No infrastructure is threatened at this time.
Due to location, the fire is being managed with a ‘confine and contain’ strategy which will minimize risk to fire fighters. A confine and contain strategy utilizes natural barriers such as cliff bands and existing geographical features to confine the fire and let it take its natural course within a pre-identified management area.
“This fire is burning in some very steep and inaccessible terrain,” stated Kevin Warner, acting District Ranger for Aspen-Sopris. “Right now, crews are watching the fire closely and monitoring from a safe distance. We are also coordinating with our partners at the Aspen Fire Department to make sure they are aware of developments.”
Personnel from the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit (UCR) and District staff are monitoring the fire daily during the burn period to detect any indications that the fire will increase in activity.
Increased cooler temperatures and moisture mid-week week is expected to limit fire spread and activity.
The public is asked to please not call 911 about the smoke from this fire.
Questions can be directed to the Aspen-Sopris Ranger Station at 970-963-2266.