The Montezuma Creek Fire burning on Southern Ute Indian Reservation has grown to 8 acres on Tribal lands and is 20 percent contained. The smaller Kerns Canyon fire has burned 2 acres and is 75 percent contained.
A lightning storm on Monday started a series of fires on the southeastern edge of the reservation, south of Pagosa Springs. On Tuesday afternoon, firefighters from several agencies responded to reports of smoke and found multiple fires. At 6 p.m. that day, the Durango Interagency Incident Management Team assumed management of the fires, which they are calling the Montezuma Creek incident.
The primary fire is located on a steep slope and a hotshot crew has been ordered to assist the other crews working on the fire. The Kerns Canyon fire is expected to be contained today, according to a press release from the management team.
A total of 10 other small fires were located and are all 100 percent contained at less than one-tenth of an acre each. There were no accidents or injuries reported yesterday. A total of 140 people will be assigned to the incident today, including one hotshot crew, three hand crews, eight engines, two water tenders, and one bulldozer. Today, crews will focus on constructing fire lines and cooling any hot spots on the two remaining fires.
Continued warm and dry conditions are forecast across the region. Stage 2 fire restrictions remain in place for most of Southwest Colorado, including tribal lands.
Local residents are encouraged to prepare their homes and properties for wildfire and to be registered with their county’s emergency notification system, according to the fire management team.
