Smoke in Pagosa from Vallecito Fire

Smoke can be seen in Pagosa from the Vallecito Fire.

- Forest Service officials are still managing several active wildfires on the Columbine Ranger District and want to remind forest visitors and hunters that the 2012 fire season is not yet over. Even with the change of seasons, the potential for wild land fires is still high, given the current and forecasted dry weather. Trees are turning dormant and dropping a fresh leaf cover on the ground that will readily carry fire quickly.

 

Vallecito Fire Information

·         Total acres to date: 459

·         Personnel:  18

·         Two Type 6 Wildland Fire Engines for Initial Attack

·         One medium Helicopter

·         One Air Attack (fixed wing aircraft)

This fire continues to creep around burning on the ground occasionally finding areas of concentrated heavy fuels. The fire remains within the Jack Creek Canyon and the Forest Service's strategy plan. A ten person Wildland Fire Module (crew) will arrive today to replace the Groveland Hot Shots. In addition, two Type 6 Wildland Fire Engines have also arrived for potential Initial Attack on any new fire starts on the Columbine Ranger District. One medium helicopter is still committed to this fire dropping water on hot spots next to the fire’s perimeter to keep the fire from additional spreading. A fixed wing aircraft (Air Attack) is also monitoring this incident. Forest Service managers are committed to staff this fire until a significant wet weather event arrives before disengaging all resources from this incident.  Fire Fighter safety is the Agency’s number one priority. Due to the high danger of falling dead trees there are no direct fire suppression activities. There is no current threat to the Vallecito community.