Bear Fire Update – 6.17.21

Last night was the last full night shift, although firefighters will continue to patrol the fire overnight. At around 6 p.m. last night activity in the Hardscrabble Road picked up as the fire hit a green island within the fire perimeter. It did not move outside of containment lines but was very visible from the town of Helper.

The weather pattern that has been in place over the fire area is beginning to change. The humidity is increasing and by this afternoon we may see erratic downburst winds with gusts up to 30 mph. Little to no moisture is expected with the incoming weather. A Fire Weather Watch has been issued in the fire area for gusty, erratic winds.

The priority for the Bear Fire today is to continue to strengthen line along Hardscrabble Road to ensure that the fire stays within containment lines. Lines around the fire are being walked and mopped up, with firefighters looking for any remaining heat sources and securing them.

The management team on the Bear Fire is also responsible for initial attack on new fires within the fire area. With the incoming weather, crews will be watching carefully for any starts brought by predicted dry lightning.