The U.S. Forest Service successfully held fire lines overnight Monday while responding to a half-acre fire northwest of the Forest Lakes subdivision.
Crews continued to mop-up the fire with helicopter support, a Forest Service news release said Tuesday. The small fire near Grassy Mountain north of Bayfield started around 4 p.m. Monday. The blaze, called the 76 Fire, was considered a low threat Monday and had grown slightly to 0.65 of an acre Tuesday.
Residents may be able to see helicopter activity. Smoke is expected to be visible from Bayfield, Forest Lakes and County Road 501.
The cause is still under investigation, according to the Forest Service news release.
Resources are on scene of the 76 Fire, which is currently a half-acre burning northwest of Forest Lakes Subdivision. The fire is visible from Bayfield and County Road 501. No structures are threatened.
Posted by USDA Forest Service - San Juan National Forest on Monday, May 4, 2020
The San Juan National Forest has suppression responsibility over the incident on Bureau of Land Management Land in the Columbine Ranger District.
Upper Pine River Fire Protection District crews, already assigned to support the Forest Service on Monday, assisted in the response, said Upper Pine Fire Chief Bruce Evans.
Fire danger is high across the San Juan National Forest. Fire managers are preparing for increased fire danger with red flag warnings issued for dry fuels and gusty winds as hot conditions continue, according to the Forest Service news release.
Fire restrictions prohibit the use of fire, including campfires and charcoal grills. Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
“These restrictions help prevent taking critical fire and medical resources from the pandemic to fight human-caused wildfires,” said a Forest Service Facebook post Monday.
smullane@durangoherald.com
