The U.S. Forest Service is responding to a 1-acre forest fire in a remote area about 3 miles north of Hermosa.
The fire is above the cliffs and away from homes, said Lorena Williams, spokesperson for the San Juan National Forest.
A type-1 helicopter with a water bucket was en route to begin water drops using nearby dip sites about 5:30 p.m., Williams said. Wildland crews were hiking to the fire to begin on-the-ground containment efforts.
The fire’s spread potential is “moderate,” Williams said. Although conditions were hot and dry Wednesday, the transition into the cooler evening temperatures should help make aerial water drops more effective and assist firefighters in slowing and cooling the fire.
The cause of the fire is presumed to be lightning, however an official cause could not be confirmed until firefighters reached the site and conducted an on-the-ground investigation, she said.
This is a developing story. Check back with www.durangoherald.com for updates.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
