The Blue Ridge Fire prompted the evacuation of homes on Hilltop Drive in the Forest Lakes subdivision. The fire, which started at 1:49 p.m. Friday, grew to 10 acres by 4:07 p.m., according to estimates from incident command. As of 3:30 p.m., the fire was moving northeast and away from residences.
Upper Pine Fire Protection District responded to the blaze. Durango Fire Protection District Chief Randy Black said his agency is sending a wildfire battalion, wildfire chief and brush truck as mutual aid, alongside resources from Los Pinos Fire Protection District and the U.S. Forest Service.
According to Watch Duty, the fire started at 1 acre and had a high rate of spread. Additionally, multiple air tankers and helicopters are assisting ground crews.
In a news release from La Plata County, emergency management and law enforcement implored the public to stay away from the active fire areas whenever possible. Traffic from passersby and onlookers can clog roads and delay responses for firefighting crews who need to move quickly throughout the fire zones, the release said.
“The public is reminded that flying drones anywhere near an active fire is strictly prohibited,” the release said. “Firefighting aircraft are unable to perform their critical duties if civilian drones are in the air. Interfering with firefighting operations on public lands can incur a fine of up to $20,000 and 12 months in prison.”
According to Upper Pine Fire Protection District Deputy Chief Greg French, as of 4:53 p.m. Friday, some fire crews were sent home from the blaze while others continued to work toward containment alongside air support. Fire crews are still on high alert.
Evacuees were asked to check in at Bayfield High School, at 800 County Road 501, Bayfield.
For more information, visit www.readylaplata.org.
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sedmondson@durangoherald.com
