Firefighters respond to wildland fires

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Pagosa Fire Protection District

On April 1, at approximately 1:35 p.m., an out-of-control residential control burn was reported on Echo Lane, south of Pagosa Springs. 

Upon arrival, the first due engine completed a scene size-up, noting a brush fire approximately half an acre in size. The fire was moving uphill toward a structure.

Firefighters utilized direct fire-attack tactics by deploying hose lays and applying water on and around the blaze. After initial fire knockdown was achieved, firefighters dug handline around the perimeter. Firefighters remained on scene for several hours to continue mop-up. The fire was fully contained at three-quarters of an acre.

The Pagosa Fire Protection District (PFPD) responded with one engine, one water tender, one brush engine, two chief cars, six paid staff members and six volunteers. One brush engine from Los Pinos Fire Protection District responded through an existing mutual aid agreement.

A second wildland fire was reported on April 4 at approximately 7:14 p.m. on Oak Drive, in the Aspen Springs subdivision area. 

The first due engine completed a scene size-up, noting a brush fire surrounding a campfire ring. The fire was moving in grassy fuels toward several structures.

Firefighters again utilized direct fire-attack tactics by deploying hose lays and applying water on and around the blaze, completing containment with a handline. Firefighters remained on scene for 90 minutes to continue mop-up. The fire was fully contained at one-quarter of an acre.

The PFPD responded with one engine, one water tender, one brush engine, one chief car, eight paid staff members and five volunteers. One brush engine from Upper Pine Fire Protection District responded through an existing mutual aid agreement but was canceled before arrival on scene.

The origin and cause of both fires is under investigation at this time. There are no firefighter or civilian injuries to report.

Both fire notifications were received through the 911 system managed by the Archuleta County Combined Dispatch Center.