Firefighting crews are responding this morning to a wildfire reported last night on Bureau of Land Management lands on the south side of Menefee Mountain about seven miles south of Mancos. Torching was visible last night from private homes in Weber Canyon. As of this morning, the lightning start is estimated at five acres, burning in pinon and juniper trees on steep slopes. Firefighting crews have established a heli-base on private property nearby in the canyon. Helicopters are making water drops, and air tankers will be making retardant drops on the fire this morning. A hotshot crew and initial attack crew have been mobilized onsite.
A lightning strike fire reported yesterday on Colorado State lands southwest of Summit Reservoir was contained at a quarter acre by helicopter drops and ground crews. Over the past couple of days, the Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch Center has reported thousands of lightning strikes, and reconnaissance crews are monitoring reports of flame or smoke across the San Juan Public Lands.
For any questions or for more information regarding this fire, contact:
Ann Bond
Public Affairs Specialist
San Juan Public Lands Center
15 Burnett Court
Durango, CO 81301
970 385-1219
abond@fs.fed.us
