Update, 12:45 p.m., July 15: According to the U.S. Forest Service, the lightning-caused fire remains 7.5 acres in size. Crews completed handline around the fire yesterday, and that containment line held overnight. Today, three hand crews and two engines will continue securing the fire's edge and will begin mopping up with the help of aviation assets as needed.
"An aggressive aerial response yesterday allowed firefighters on the ground to engage successfully and keep the fire footprint small," according to the agency. "Large Air Tankers dropped two loads of retardant on the quickly expanding fire, and a helicopter inserted firefighters to begin digging hand line."
The agency notes fire danger is very high, and the entire San Juan National Forest is under Stage I fire restrictions.
Update, 7:45 a.m., July 15: Firefighters completed a hand line around the 7.5-acre fire on Monday, July 14. Today, Tuesday, July 15, resources will continue securing the line and with mop-up operations. Resources on the fire include two helicopters, three hand crews, two engines and a Helitack crew.
Update, noon, July 14: Information from the San Juan National Forest has been added.
According to the Archuleta County Sheriff's Office and San Juan National Forest, there is currently a fire in the area to the north of the Devil Creek State Wildlife Area.
According to the San Juan National Forest, firefighters and aviation resources from the Pagosa Ranger District are responding to the Little Devil Fire that started this morning north of the Ute Camground along U.S. 160. A helicopter and an air tanker are on scene to suppress the fire.
It notes Archuleta County Combined Dispatch is aware of the incident, and actively tracking. Currently resources from the San Juan National Forest and Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office are on scene.
Smoke is visible from U.S. 160 and Colo. 151.
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