Turtle Lake Fire Contained

News release from the Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch at 3:15 p.m.

The Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch Center reports that the Turtle Lake Fire was contained at two acres about noon today. About 30 firefighters worked the fire, including crews from the San Juan National Forest, Durango Fire and Rescue Authority and the Pike Hotshots. About 30 firefighters worked the fire today. No air support was needed. Firefighters will continue mop-up operations tomorrow. An investigation into the cause of the fire continues, but it is believed to have been human caused.

KV Fire Update: Durango - July 10 at 6:45 p.m.

FROM THE DURANGO INTERAGENCY FIRE DISPATCH

U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control

 

July 10, 2014, 6:45 p.m.

 

Air and ground crews continue to work KV Fire between Bayfield and Pagosa Springs

 

DURANGO – As of this evening, the KV Fire is estimated at about 10 acres in size with no containment (although retardant has been dropped along the perimeter of the fire, no hand-built containment lines are yet in place). 

The lightning-caused fire is burning about 1.5 miles north of US Highway 160 up the First Fork Road on the west side of the Piedra River in the San Juan National Forest.  The fire is located about 1/3 of a mile from nearby powerlines and communication lines.  

The fire is not threatening any other structures at this time, but the Lower Piedra Campground has been evacuated as a precaution.  The smoke column can be seen from U.S. Highway 160 where the highway crosses the Piedra River, but no visibility problems are expected for traffic in the area.

 

Two heavy air tankers, two single engine air tankers and a helicopter are providing air support.  Tomorrow a hot shot crew, Type II crew, initial attack crew and fire module will arrive to swell the number of firefighters to about 60 on the ground. 

The KV Fire was ignited Wednesday night by lightning from thunderstorms, along with six other fires on the Columbine Ranger District in a line stretching from Junction Creek to Electra Lake, Lemon, Vallecito and over to the Piedra River.  Firefighters have been able to contain all but the KV Fire as of tonight.  Durango Fire and Rescue Authority has been assisting with response.

 

Air and Ground Crews Responding to Wildfires North of US Highway 160

FROM DURANGO INTERAGENCY FIRE DISPATCH

U.S. Forest Service with Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control

 

July 10, 2014, 2:10 pm

 

DURANGO – A helicopter and ground crews are working the KV Fire about one and a half miles north of US Highway 160 up the First Fork Road on the San Juan National Forest.  

The lightning-caused wildfire, which is headed uphill on the west side of the Piedra River, is now estimated at about five acres in size.  Gusty winds are expected in the area, and the fire could threaten nearby power lines and communication lines to the south.  La Plata Electric Association has been notified and is on site.  The fire is not threatening any other structures at this time. 

 

A helicopter and a single engine air tanker (SEAT) are working the fire, as is one 20-person ground crew.  Another SEAT, two heavy air tankers, and additional firefighting crews, including a hot shot team, have been ordered. The fire was ignited last night by lightning, along with two other small fires, also burning near the First Fork Road.  One of those is currently estimated at ¼ acre and the other at1/10^th of an acre.  The firefighting effort is addressing these smaller fires in addition to the KV Fire.

Backcountry Visitors Reminded to be Safe with Fire from Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch

DURANGO INTERAGENCY FIRE DISPATCH

The Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch Center reports that fire danger is moderate in much of southwestern Colorado, but conditions are dry at lower to middle elevations. Fire restrictions are not in place on the San Juan National Forest, but the public is encouraged to be very careful with fire over the July 4th weekend and rest of the summer by following the below safety tips:

• Call or visit the nearest San Juan National Forest office to find out if fire danger is low, moderate, high or extreme.
• Clear the area around campfires. Remove all vegetation and debris from within 10 feet before you start a fire.
• Have a bucket of water, shovel, and other implements on hand in case wind or other conditions cause your campfire to get out of control.
• Never leave a campfire unattended. Make sure campfires are completely out before leaving. Stir water and dirt into the coals until the coals are cool to the touch and there is no smoke.
• Extinguish smoking materials only in cleared areas free of vegetation or debris. Never toss cigarette butts out the car window.
• Don’t park cars or recreational vehicles over dry vegetation. Exhaust systems can reach temperatures of more than 1,000 degrees; hot enough to start a wildfire during the summer.
• Use an approved spark arrester on off-road vehicles and chainsaws. The screen between the exhaust port of the piston and muffler helps ensure that sparks generated won’t start wildfires. Check and replace spark arresters periodically.
• Fireworks are always illegal on National Forest lands. The penalty for violators is a maximum of six months in prison and/or $5,000 fine. Anyone responsible for starting a wildfire may also be held responsible for the cost of putting it out and for damage caused.

To report a fire on federal lands, please contact the Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 970 385-1324.