A vehicle that was experiencing overheating issues sparked multiple grass fires along U.S. 84 before catching fire itself on Monday, July 20.
According to Pagosa Fire Protection District (PFPD) Chief Robert Bertram, a full-size van was traveling on U.S. 84 while experiencing overheating issues and continued to drive, sparking two grass fires.
“Then finally it ended up the whole van caught on fire,” he said.
The PFPD was paged to the incident at 12:54 p.m., Bertram reported.
Bertram reported the van was spotted in the area of the Chromo post office while having overheating issues, then caught fire at mile marker 7.
Bertram explained there was one occupant who was able to get out.
The chief noted that a La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) crew that was working in the area helped contain one of the fires and some other bystanders were able to get to the other fire.
According to Bertram, the grass fires were about 10 feet by 20 feet.
Bertram noted the PFPD was in the area for probably about an hour because the fires were put out pretty quickly.
The PFPD, Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office, LPEA and bystanders responded, Bertram confirmed.
Bertram indicated that, while the area has been receiving precipitation, fire danger persists.
“Even though we’ve been getting the rain, it’s still dry, it’s still hot. There’s still that danger out there,” Bertram said, adding, “Pretty much any equipment that’s not operating properly you shouldn’t be running.”
>