The public is invited to a meeting in Rifle on Tuesday to learn more about a slowly growing wildfire last measured at 250 acres 10 miles south of Rifle, according to a Friday news release from the Upper Colorado River Fire and Aviation Management Unit.
The meeting, to be held at 6 p.m., Tuesday at the Garfield County Sheriff’s Annex at 106 County Road 333-A, will address fire management strategies for the Middle Mamm Fire and allow residents to ask fire managers and forest service officials questions, the news release said.
The fire is not threatening homes or private property at this time, officials said.
“Firefighters have been actively managing the fire to improve forest health and wildlife habitat, and reduce the chance of a future large, destructive wildfire,” the release said. “When necessary, they take action to slow the fire’s growth, allowing the low-intensity fire to slowly and steadily consume accumulated dead and down fuels, and remove trees weakened by insects and disease.”
In case the fire spreads toward private property, firefighters are building indirect hand lines and fuel breaks to protect infrastructure, officials said.
The fire was ignited by lightning on July 28, the news release said, and has grown slowly at low intensity.
Fire officials warn residents not to fly drones in the area because firefighting helicopters must stop operating when drones are present.
Anyone seeking more information about the Middle Mamm Fire can visit .
Wildfires in Colorado and the U.S.
The map shows active wildfire locations in 2019. The map defaults to Colorado; to see all wildfires, click “U.S.” in the view area. Click the map layers icon in the top right corner of the map to change map backgrounds and to toggle active and contained fires. Click a marker or perimeter for details. To view the full map and a table of all wildfires, click here.
*Data comes from two sources, and , and could contain inconsistencies. Map by Kevin Hamm and Daniel J. Schneider.