The Montrose Interagency Fire Management Unit (MIFMU) is working on a wildfire approximately 6 miles north of Hotchkiss, CO.

The 127 acre “Jay Fire” is burning largely in oakbrush on Bureau of Land Management and privately-owned lands in the area. No known structures are threatened.

Officials say that the fire likely began with a lightning strike sometime late last week or over the weekend. The fire was not visible and reported until Wednesday, September 24, when conditions became dry enough and winds strong enough to fan the flames.

Firefighters used two airtankers on Wednesday and a helicopter along
with ground resources to help corral the fire. Overnight a bulldozer and hand crews worked to establish fire lines around the fire and will
continue this work through thursday. Currently a bulldozer, the helicopter and 10-person hand crew is working on the fire with another 20-person crew ordered in to arrive this afternoon.

There is no estimate of control for the fire yet.