The Snow Ranch Fire, located approximately 11 air miles from Pagosa Springs in the Chris Mountain area of the San Juan National Forest, is 386 acres and 29 percent contained, according to fire officials.
The fire was caused by lightning and began on June 11.
In a June 14 evening update, the U.S. Forest Service reports fire crews patrolled and mopped up and secured the edges of the fire line Friday, holding the fire within the perimeter.
It adds that a drone performed infrared flights for aerial monitoring and no spot fires were found outside the containment lines.
Sawyers worked to remove hazard trees that posed a threat to safety or that could fall across the fire line, it notes.
On Saturday, June 15, it reports, firefighters will continue to mop up and patrol the fire line, as well as remove fire-weakened trees that may otherwise fall across roads. Fire managers will begin planning for rehabilitation of dozer line and other disturbed areas.
Smoke will remain visible from U.S. 160 and Pagosa Springs as interior pockets of unburned fuel — such as pine needles, stumps, and dead and downed trees — continue to smolder and burn.
The fire area remains closed to public entry. 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 allow access to the road within a few days.
The fire received slight precipitation on Friday, according to the update, resulting in less-active fire behavior overall. A drying trend is expected throughout the weekend and into next week.
Smoke will 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.
