A fire has started by Chimney Rock and is visible from Bayfield, but local crews have not been called to the site.
The Horse Fire is a lightning-started fire, burning in the Horse Creek drainage, approximately eight miles north of Highway 160 and Chimney Rock near the Piedra River. The 25-acre fire is burning in dense aspen and in steep terrain, according to a notice from the Upper Pine Rive Fire Protection District. A helicopter has attacked the fire with bucket drops from Lake Capote and Angel Pond. Approximately 60 firefighters, including a hot shot crew and an initial attack crew, are on scene and additional resources are being ordered.
Crews are on site and assessing the fire. Smoke from the fire will be visible from Yellow Jacket Pass, Hesperus Hill and Pagosa Springs, and Bayfield. The fire was discovered at 1 p.m. Tuesday. Visitors to the First Fork and Devil Mountain area should check with the Pagosa Ranger District office to check conditions. No structures or private land is currently threatened, so the fire might be left to burn for awhile, according to fire officials.
For additional information contact Pagosa Ranger District at 264-2268
