Devil Mountain fire burns 3.7 acres

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By Randi Pierce | Staff Writer

The cause of a fire that burned 3.7 acres last week remains under investigation.

The fire was reported on April 29 in the area of Devil Mountain and Forest Service Road 626 and was contained that evening at 3.7 acres, according to Archuleta County Undersheriff Mike Le Roux and the Pagosa Fire Protection District (PFPD).

On Tuesday, Bureau of Indian Affairs Fire Management Officer Rich Gustafson explained that the fire remains controlled and would be called in a few days “once these winds go through.”

He noted the fire had not shown smoke for the last few days.

Gustafson noted the cause of the fire is under investigation and an official determination is pending, but added “it looks like it’s human-caused.”

He explained there was no lightning in that area from the previous storm and there are “factors” that make it look like it could be human-caused.

Gustafson and Le Roux noted the BIA, U.S. Forest Service, Pagosa Fire Protection District (PFPD), Archuleta County Road and Bridge and Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office responded.

As of Tuesday, the PFPD and San Juan National Forest listed fire danger for the area as moderate. 

randi@pagosasun.com