The Bull Draw Fire, burning in a remote area 12 miles northwest of Nucla, has grown to 18,765 acres – up 4,723 acres in 24 hours – Type 2 Blue Team said on Saturday.

Since Thursday, the fire has grown about 10,000 acres, from a reported 8,700 acres on Thursday, to 14,042 acres on Friday, and to 18,765 acres on Saturday.

Containment decreased to an estimated 13 percent, down from 16 percent on Friday and 35 percent on Thursday. The fire’s estimated containment date was pushed back nearly a month, to Sept. 15.

The fire is considered the top priority in the Rocky Mountain region, meaning that the team would be the first to receive new resources. By comparison, the Plateau Fire north of Dolores was ranked No. 3.

The 29-square-mile fire continued to push toward the southeast, and continued to grow in the north and west.

“Changes in wind direction are bringing smoke from this fire to communities in the east and south,” the incident command said. “Expect to see growth each day as the fire burns towards containment lines and as a result large smoke plumes will be likely in the afternoon and evenings.”

On Friday, the fire reached private property at Campbell Point in Mesa County. On Saturday morning, crews were assessing the area for threats to structures, and staff were assigned overnight to monitor the area. So far, no homes have been destroyed.

Crews in the northeast and northwest were working to suppress the fire, with helicopter drops and engine support. The majority of crews were in the northeast working along the Divide Road (Forest Road 402).

In the southeast area in Montrose County, crews were expected to work the next several days to build firebreaks east toward the area of the 2004 Campbell Fire. This activity might take three to four days.

The fire has been consuming heavy fuels and carrying burning through more resistant fuels such as aspen and pasture, according to the incident team, led by commander Brian Pisarek.

About 321 personnel were assigned to the fire as of Saturday.

The Minnesota Incident Command System Type 2 Blue Team assumed command earlier this week. It is a more robust, federal team than the state-based Type 3 team that had been in place since July 31. The team is using the Nucla Community Center for fire operations.

On Friday, the team plans to hold a public meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Nucla Baptist Church.

Smoke from the Bull Draw and Buttermilk fires continued to impact residents in Delta and Montrose counties, which have faced air quality advisories all week.

The Buttermilk Fire is burning in piñon/juniper vegetation in the rugged Lime Kiln drainage area 15 miles northeast of Montrose in the Red Canyon area.

On Thursday, it was estimated at 746 acres, and containment was 70 percent. Firefighters continued to mop up hot spots.