Emergency Management Director Butch Knowlton

La Plata County prepares for unexpected in annual wildfire drill

Event is an exercise in asking, and answering, ‘What do we do?’

DATE: Apr 25, 2025 | CATEGORY: Local News

La Plata County urges residents to register for emergency notifications before wildfire drill

Test of evacuation alert system set for Monday during annual exercise

DATE: Apr 14, 2025 | CATEGORY: Local News

Wildfire evacuation drill grows in third year

Residents in five subdivisions practiced leaving homes in an emergency situation

DATE: Apr 28, 2023 | CATEGORY: Local News

20 years later: Missionary Ridge Fire torched homes, devastated lives and taught us lessons

As Durango looks back on the historic blaze, those who were there recall conditions similar to today

DATE: Jun 18, 2022 | CATEGORY: Local News

After 44 years, Butch Knowlton retires from La Plata County

Search and rescue director helped countless people through emergencies

DATE: Nov 16, 2020 | CATEGORY: Local News

Location for new radar system in Four Corners is finalized

Weather station will be built south of Durango

DATE: Sep 29, 2020 | CATEGORY: Local News

La Plata County Search and Rescue settles into permanent home

Headquarters will make missions more efficient, president says

DATE: Aug 28, 2020 | CATEGORY: Local News

Vandalism, trespassing at Bakers Bridge spark concern

Popular hangout 15 miles north of Durango targeted with graffiti

DATE: Jun 11, 2020 | CATEGORY: Local News

Incoming storm raises concern over flooding from 416 Fire burn scar

National Weather Service says up to an inch of rain could fall in area

DATE: Jun 5, 2020 | CATEGORY: Local News

Voters approve tax increase for Animas Mosquito Control District

Electors reject removing term limits for board members

DATE: Nov 5, 2019 | CATEGORY: Local News

Despite freezing temps, wildfire danger is high in Southwest Colorado

Dead grasses, strong winds and dry conditions raise risk

DATE: Nov 1, 2019 | CATEGORY: Local News

Increased chance of flooding below 416 Fire burn scar until Saturday

National Weather Service says if storms form, they could produce heavy rain

DATE: Jul 24, 2019 | CATEGORY: Local News

Photos: Thousands take to the streets for ‘No Kings’ march and rally in Durango

Photos: Navajo Trail OpenFriday was the first day of the Navajo Trail Open at Hillcrest Golf Club

Friday was the first day of the Navajo Trail Open at Hillcrest Golf Club

Photos: Durango Fire Protection District opens Station 2

Photos: Hundreds gather to honor fallen Bloomfield Police officer Timothy OntiverosA solemn procession stretched for blocks Monday morning along West Apache Street in Farmington – a display of unity, grief and honor for Bloomfield Police Officer Timothy Ontiveros, 32.About 7 a.m., a large contingent of law enforcement, motorcyclists, friends and grieving family prepared to embark on the motorcade to the 9 a.m. service at the Bloomfield High School football stadium to celebrate the life of the officer.