Firefighters work to contain Cat fire on Southern Ute lands; estimated at 20 acres

U.S. Forest Service with Bureau of Land Management with National Park Service with Bureau of Indian Affairs with Colorado State Forest Service

Firefighters are working to contain the Cat fire which was discovered on Southern Ute lands this afternoon around 3:30.  The fire is burning just off County Road 500 in Archuleta County. There is one small parcel of private land nearby, but at this time no structures are threatened. The fire is estimated at about 20 acres.  On scene currently are two single engine air tankers, 1 heavy helicopter, and one Type 2 crew and 5-7 engines. Resources are from Southern Ute, U.S. Forest Service, Archuleta County and 1-2 fire departments. An additional Type 2 crew, as well as a hotshot crew, has been ordered.

Firefighters responded to one other fire on Southern Ute land and assisted with a lightning strike on BLM lands in northern New Mexico. They also responded to a single tree burning on the north end of Electra Lake (on Hwy. 550 north) today. These small fires have all been contained and controlled. There was no further report on the Rim Rock fire near Vallecito.

To report a fire on public lands, please contact the Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 970-385-1324 or call 911.