The San Juan National Forest issued the following information Saturday evening, Oct. 21:
Dry, warm and windy conditions have increased fire activity today on two wildfires burning in the Pagosa Springs area. These are wildfires, not prescribed burns. Both fires were discovered on Oct. 19.
The Mill Creek 2 Fire, is located 10 miles northeast of Pagosa Springs. The fire has been growing towards the wilderness boundary. It has increased in size to 52 acres.
The fire has been burning through mixed conifer along with dead and down trees in high, steep and hazardous terrain. Because of the extremely difficult access and safety risks, firefighters are not being sent in to engage the fire.
Crews are operating in the vicinity, keeping an eye on fire activity and evaluating fire control options.
To the northwest of Pagosa Springs, the Trail Springs Fire has also shown aggressive activity this afternoon. It is now 12 acres in size.
The fire is located on a thickly-forested slope leading down to West Devil Creek, about 3 miles northwest of Chris Mountain. Due to overnight fire growth and aggressive fire activity, fire managers kept crews away from the perimeter this morning so they could reassess tactics. Firefighters continue working to identify and establish control line.
The dry conditions are expected to continue through Monday. Forecasters say there is a chance of much-needed precipitation Monday night into Tuesday.
Smoke from these two wildfires may be visible in communities surrounding Pagosa Springs, along the U.S. 160 corridor and in other locations to the east and the north.
Fire smoke may affect your health. For more information, visit https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.
