A fire burned 2.3 acres on Saturday, March 21, in the area of Chimney Rock.
According to the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), the fire was located approximately 1 mile up County Road 917 (Cabazon Canyon Road). It was announced at about 3:10 p.m.
Local residents were put on pre-evacuation notice, according to the agency, which also announced that crews had suppressed and reduced the fire’s spread toward structures.
By about 4:30 p.m., the fire measured at 2.3 acres, with crews completing hand line and hose line around the fire.
The ACSO announced shortly after 5 p.m. that the pre-evacuation notice had been lifted and crews were continuing to “firm up” containment lines.
Shortly before 6 p.m., the agency announced that Archuleta County Road and Bridge was also on scene with 8,000 gallons of water.
At 7:15 p.m., the ACSO stated the fire was contained for the evening and crews had demobilized.
It added that a hand crew would be on scene the following morning to assist with mop-up operations.
The following morning, the ACSO announced the containment lines held overnight with no forward growth on the fire, and that two Archuleta County water trucks were on the scene with a total of 8,000 gallons of water along with the hand crew.
On Tuesday, Archuleta County Emergency Management Commander Roy Vega explained the wildfire was a holdover from a controlled burn that was thought to be extinguished, but wasn’t.
Vega noted that anyone doing pile burns or controlled burns is asked to make sure burns are fully extinguished, noting those doing the burn could receive a citation if the fire is not fully extinguished.
He further noted that controlled burns are not allowed some days with high winds due to fire danger.
For more on controlled burning within the boundaries of the PFPD, visit www.pagosafire.org/open-fire-permit-fees.
Anyone looking to burn should look up regulations for their area and fire district the property falls in.
Crews from the ACSO, Pagosa Fire Protection District (PFPD), Los Pinos Fire District, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, U.S. Forest Service and Archuleta County responded over the course of the fire.
Fire danger
“As of right now, we have no reason to be in a fire ban,” Vega said, adding that officials will continue to assess conditions moving forward as fuels are drying out.
He noted that while things are a lot drier than typical at this time of year, the top surface is dry, but the other fuels still have moisture.
As of Wednesday, March 25, the U.S. Forest Service rated fire danger for the San Juan National Forest at low.
randi@pagosasun.com
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