The Three Springs Fire, reported yesterday, September 17, at 4:37 p.m., spread quickly in dry grass south of U.S. Highway 40 in western Moffat County. At least five separate wildland fires were ignited along the highway from sparks created by a chain dragging behind a vehicle. A single engine air tanker dropped one load of fire retardant to slow the fires spread and give engines and ground crews a chance to fight the wildland fire. No structures were threatened but there were power lines in the area that could potentially have been impacted.
Responding to the incident were Moffat County Sheriff’s Office, Artesia Fire Protection District, Bureau of Land Management, and Dinosaur National Monument.
The fires were contained at 8:30 p.m. last night. Total acres burned is 107.5 acres, the largest of the blazes is 85 acres.
Two BLM engines returned to continue mop up today. The fires are on BLM public land with a small portion on private and Colorado state land.
Vegetation is dry and people are asked to use caution with all outdoor fires. To report a wildland fire call 911 or 970-826-5037.
NOTE: Smoky conditions are due to wildland fires north of Colorado in Idaho and Montana.
Information provided by BLM PIO, Lynn Barclay.
