Monday Update, Air Resources Arriving to help fight Wildfires

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.

Contact:  Pam Wilson, Fire Information Officer, 970-799-1179.

Durango – Two heavy air tankers from Albuquerque will begin dropping fire retardant on the Vallecito Fire. 

A Type 1 helicopter will be arriving at the Durango Air Tanker Base and will also be headed to Vallecito soon thereafter. 

Two single engine air tankers ordered from Fort Collins are headed to the Little East Fire this morning, as well.

Ann H. Bond

Public Affairs Specialist

SAN JUAN NATIONAL FOREST

15 Burnett Court

Durango, CO 81301

Homes at Lake Vista Vallecito on Pre-evacuation Notice

Durango – About 20 homes have been placed pre-evacuation notice in the Lake Vista Estates subdivision due to the Vallecito Fire, which is now estimated at 200 to 250 acres.

Red Flag Warning issued for Southwest Colorado

DURANGO – The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning today for Southwest Colorado through this evening calling for low humidity, gusty winds and continued dry fuels.  Because of the high wind warning, air attack opportunities will be limited on the Vallecito Fire, as flying conditions will be unsafe for air tankers and helicopters. The fire is burning in heavy dead fuels, and dormant gamble oak and aspen in the Jack Creek drainage west of Vallecito Reservoir.  Firefighters are currently concentrating on putting in dozer lines around the right flank and head of the fire.  Fire investigators will be working today to verify the origin of both the Vallecito and Crazy Creek fires.

 

The long-term weather forecast calls for dry and windy conditions for the next 10 to 12 days with little to no chance of precipitation.  The U.S. Forest Service reminds those in the backcountry to be extremely careful with fire: 

  • Clear campfire sites down to bare soil.
  • Build a fire ring out of rocks and keep campfires small.
  • Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, and dry grass.
  • Never leave a campfire unattended. Put campfires completely out, even at night when you go to bed.
  • Keep a bucket of water and a shovel nearby.
  • When putting a campfire out, drown it with water, add dirt, and stir until ashes are cold to the touch. Never leave a fire until it is out cold.

 

Ann H. Bond

Public Affairs Specialist

SAN JUAN NATIONAL FOREST