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SW Colorado Fire Update – October 20, 2012, 6:30 PM

Vallecito Fire

The Vallecito Fire was remapped this morning at 222 acres; it is now 25% contained. Firefighters continued to strengthen the dozer line along the southern end of the fire. They also completed most of the dozer line south of Hummingbird Lane, providing a defensive fire break on the north side of the fire. The line should be completed Sunday afternoon. There is still some smoke coming from hot spots inside the fire’s perimeter. Helicopters continued dropping water on hot spots near the perimeter.

Aircraft responded to a new, small fire about .4 of a mile to the west of the Vallecito Fire. The fire started in dry grass and quickly grew to ¼ acre before aircraft doused it with water. Cause of the fire is unknown.

The pre-evacuation alerts for the 18 residences in Lake Vista Estates will be lifted at 8:00 a.m. Sunday. There will be a Community Meeting Sunday at 7:00 PM at the Forest Service Work Center to discuss with residents the status of the fire and what they can expect over the next week or so.

Goblin Fire

The Goblin Fire has not seen any significant growth and is holding at 700 acres. Smoke over the past two days, which has been visible from Durango at times, is coming from a couple interior islands of vegetation that are burning out. This is a full suppression fire, however, due to the steep terrain and unsafe conditions, firefighters are confining it within certain parameters. Actions will be taken to suppress the fire when it approaches those parameters and becomes accessible. There are adequate aerial and ground resources available to assist, if needed.

Fire managers have scheduled an infrared flight of both fires tonight.

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