Smoke is expected to be visible from U.S. 160 today as fire personnel continue to respond to a fire that was reported on Tuesday, June 11.
The Snow Ranch Fire, approximately 11 miles west of Pagosa Springs in the Chris Mountain area of the San Juan National Forest, was started by lightning and was estimated to be less than three acres in size as of 6 p.m. on June 11. It is burning in ponderosa pine.
"Fire activity remained low, with ground fuels (dead logs and limbs, pine needles and cones) being consumed," according to the U.S. Forest Service.
No values are immediately threatened, according to the agency, and firefighters are evaluating and constructing indirect containment lines.
Residents and visitors are asked to avoid the area, and extra fire traffic can be expected on Forest Service Road 628 (Snow Ranch Road) and in the Pagosa Springs area, the agency notes.
