Update on Lightner Creek Fire

 

Durango, CO – At approximately 7:15 p.m., a heavy air tanker arrived from Albuquerque to drop slurry onto the ridge top to keep the Lightner Creek Fire contained.  A NewAir helicopter will continue water drops until dark, working to control the fire along the hillside.  The Titus family allowed water to be drawn by the helicopter from their fish ponds near the fire, which saved valuable time on each helicopter run.  The fire is estimated to be approximately 15 – 20 acres at this time.  The Lightner Creek Fire was reported at approximately 3:30 p.m. today and is located approximately 2 miles up Lightner Creek Road (County Road 207). 

A San Juan Public Lands “Type III” fire team, under the direction of Ron Klatt assumed management of the fire today at approximately 6:00 p.m.  Durango Fire and Rescue Authority will remain onsite overnight to provide protection to nearby structures and homes while the Public Lands team will focus on the hillside. 

“The winds are calm, so it’s worked out quite well for us, said Butch Knowlton, Emergency Management Director.  “The crews are going to make a hard effort to work the fire as much as possible overnight.”

There are no evacuations reported at this time.  County Road 207 has not been closed.  La Plata County Sheriff deputies have been patrolling the area to warn residents and assist with traffic.  Motorists should drive slowly and carefully as they may encounter smoke, which will reduce visibility.  Nighttime winds may push the smoke into Durango this evening and the smoke may be periodically visible elsewhere in the County. The cause of the fire is still unknown at this time.