The U.S. Forest Service and Upper Pine River Fire Protection District responded to a half-acre fire northwest of the Forest Lakes subdivision on Monday.
The fire services received reports of smoke on Grassy Mountain, north of Bayfield and east of Cool Water Ranch on County Road 501, early Monday afternoon. Called the 76 Fire, it was considered a low threat.
A helicopter equipped with a bucket was flying from Vallecito Reservoir to the site to douse the fire. Residents nearby and in Bayfield may be able to see the helicopter. Smoke is expected to be visible for about 24 hours.
“We have enough resources for it now,” said Bruce Evans, Upper Pine fire chief. “I don’t think anybody sees it as a big threat right now.”
The fire is in oak brush on difficult terrain and “kind of creeping,” Evans said.
The cause is under investigation and no structures were threatened, according to a Forest Service Facebook post.
The 76 Fire is managed by the federal agency. Upper Pine crews were assisting because they were already assigned to the Forest Service for the day, Evans said.
Fire danger is high across the San Juan National Forest.
“Please obey fire restrictions,” said a Forest Service Facebook post May 1.
Fire restrictions prohibit the use of fire, including campfires and charcoal grills. Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
“These restrictions help prevent taking critical fire and medical resources from the pandemic to fight human-caused wildfires,” the post said.
smullane@durangoherald.com
