Single Publication

Fire start date:   June 11, 2024

Fire size today:  3 acres

Location:  11 miles west of Pagosa Springs       

Personnel:  100

Cause:  Lightning

Latest Smoke Outlook:

https://fire.airnow.gov/?aqi_v=2&m_ids=&pa_ids=%23

INCIDENT OBJECTIVES:

• Manage hazards to responders and the public using a risk-based approach to decision-making on a continual basis
• Protect critical values at risk
• Reduce the long-term risk to communities from future wildfire events

Expect to see increased smoke tomorrow from the Snow Ranch Fire west of Pagosa Springs as fire crews initiate burnout operations. Today, fire crews prepared indirect containment line around roughly 400 acres of forest. Tomorrow, with favorable conditions, fire personnel will begin “black lining” and interior firing operations using drip torches and a drone. Black lining is the term used to describe the application of fire to widen containment lines. Wider containment lines increase firefighter safety and reduce the likelihood of a wildfire jumping the line. This strategy is expected to reduce the risk to important values such as private residences, serving local communities now and into the future by providing firefighters an advantage when conditions are less favorable. The smoke will be visible from US Highway 160 as the fire is burning on the southern boundary of the forest, just a few miles north of the highway. 

Please do not call 9-1-1 to report this fire. 

Approximately 100 personnel will be on hand to conduct the operations tomorrow and ensure the fire stays within the pre-determined boundaries.

Fire activities will be taking place on both sides of NFSR 681 (Chris Mountain Trail) and fire traffic will be heavy so please avoid this area. Crews expect to reopen access to the road within a few days. 

More Information about smoke

• Smoke is visible in the area and it may settle into valleys and other low-lying areas, especially at night and in the early morning hours. Wildfire smoke may affect your health. For more information, please go to:  https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health