On Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 4:30 p.m., the U.S. Forest Service, in collaboration with Timberline Fire Protection District and Nederland Fire Protection District, swiftly responded to reports of smoke in Gilpin County, Boulder Ranger District. The incident occurred near the intersection of Gilpin Road and Highway 119, raising concerns within the community.

Upon arrival, crews discovered a machine pile measuring 60 feet by 60 feet ablaze in a landing on Forest Service land. Immediate action was taken to suppress the fire, with crews utilizing water to contain the spreading flames.

As of January 7, the Lump Gulch Fire remained a cause for concern as it was at that point only 50% contained. The origin of the fire is under investigation, and authorities from the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office, Nederland Fire Protection District, and Timberline Fire Protection District are actively working to determine its cause.

Crews are using a skid steer to open the pile and dump snow on it. Smoke dispersal is currently poor, and smoke will be visible along Highway 119 as they work the pile. Two to four inches of snow were expected in the area January 8, which may assist with operations. Crews from The Nature Conservancy will be assisting along with the Forest Service, Timberline, and Nederland. A water tender truck from Timberline will be standing by to assist as needed.

It’s important to note that the Lump Gulch Fire is not associated with the ongoing pile burning operations in the area. While adjacent piles remain unignited, the low snow cover in the immediate surroundings poses a potential risk of further spread.

Residents and concerned individuals are encouraged to stay informed about the Lump Gulch Fire by subscribing to email updates. Those interested can visit Constant Contact - Forest Health & Fire and select “Forest Health & Fire: North of I-70 to Highway 72 Coal Creek Canyon (Central City and Rollinsville).” Stay tuned for updates as authorities work diligently to contain and investigate the Lump Gulch Fire.

Reid Armstrong, Public Affairs Representative with the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest, responded to questions about the incident on January 8.

She reported that the cause is still under investigation and that crews worked 24 hours a day to contain it. Three inches of snow overnight on January 8, helped to squelch the fire.

As of this writing, the fire is 100% contained, meaning it will remain within a perimeter. According to crews from USDAForest Service, Nederland Fire, the Nature Conservancy, and Timberline firefighters have used 6,000 gallons of water to fight the fire and will continue to patrol the area to ensure safety.