DURANGO – July 1, 2013- Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch reports that firefighters continue to respond daily to dozens of smoke reports on public lands. Most fires have been determined to be the result of lightning strikes and have been contained and/or controlled to single-tree fires of less than 1/10th of an acre; however, at least two are believed to have been human caused. Below is an update of some of the recent wildfire activity and firefighter response on public lands in the area (in no particular order).
- The Fawn Gulch Fire on the San Juan National Forest Pagosa Ranger District has been controlled.
- The Deadwood Fire on the San Juan National Forest Columbine Ranger District in La Plata Canyon has been contained. This fire is believed to be human caused and is under investigation.
- The Ridge Fire on Missionary Ridge on the San Juan National Forest Columbine Ranger District has been contained.
- The Dove Creek Fire in BLM Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is expected to be contained later today at 30 acres.
- Four small wildfires on the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation have been contained and controlled.
- The Ruby Fire on BLM land on a ridge between Morrison Canyon and Goodman Canyon is expected to be contained later today.
- A fire reported late yesterday at the BLM Bradfield Campground on the Dolores River has been controlled and contained. This fire is believed to be human caused and is under investigation.
- The Woods Canyon Fire in BLM Canyons of the Ancients National Monument was contained yesterday.
- Firefighters are responding this afternoon to reports of smoke near Alberta Peak on the San Juan National Forest Pagosa Ranger District south of Wolf Creek Ski Area.
- Firefighters are on scene at the Cottonwood Fire 10 miles on the San Juan National Forest northwest of Pagosa Springs.
- Firefighters are responding to two new reports of lightning strikes this afternoon on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.
- Firefighters this afternoon contained the Junction Fire on private land north of Pagosa Junction.
To report a fire on public lands, please contact the Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 970 385-1324 or call 911.