Recent rains have moderated behavior on the 777-acre Swiss Roll Fire, a lightning-caused fire that began Aug. 20 in the San Juan National Forest.
The fire is located east of Pagosa Springs and U.S. 160, south of East Fork Road (CR 667) near Quartz Meadow.
The fire showed little growth following its start, but, following days of hot dry weather, the fire was driven by wind on Friday, Sept. 11, growing from roughly 10 acres to 370 acres, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
On Saturday, Sept. 12, the fire grew to 777 acres as outflow winds from passing thunderstorms pushed it farther south and east, the agency explains in a press release.
But, after receiving rainfall for multiple days, fire activity on the Swiss Roll Fire has moderated, and this week’s rain showers are expected to keep fire behavior to a minimum, the agency reports.
Indirect containment
Fire managers have been employing an indirect containment strategy on the Swiss Roll Fire due to the danger associated with the steep terrain and dead timber in the area.
The agency explains it is using predetermined action points if/when the fire reaches certain locations.
It adds those fire lines may include roads and natural features (like rock outcroppings and Quartz Meadow).
“Fire crews cannot engage the Swiss Roll Fire directly across much of its footprint due to extremely high threat to safety from falling dead trees and lack of access in the case of a medical emergency,” it states. “Falling trees are the number one cause of wildland firefighter fatalities. Additionally, the fire is not expected to threaten life or property due to its remote location and therefore does not justify putting firefighters at risk.”
The agency notes crews will remain engaged in monitoring activities, especially after the wet period passes.
“The fire is unlikely to completely go out until it receives snowfall,” it notes.
Closure implemented
For the safety of firefighters and the public, the Pagosa Ranger District has implemented a road and trail closure in the vicinity of the Swiss Roll Fire.
The closure restricts public access to all lands, roads and trails within the described area, including Quartz Meadows Road (NFSR 684), Quartz Creek Trail #571 and Quartz Ridge Trail #570 at the Quartz Ridge Trailhead near the Silver Falls Guard Station.
The Quartz Creek Trail #570 (from the Sand Creek Trailhead) will remain open for approximately 4.5 miles until it turns east.
Violations of the closure order are punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
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