DURANGO – The Airpark Fire, reported at noon today south of Durango, has grown to an estimated 500 acres as of 7 p.m. Sunday, according to the Durango Interagency Fire Center. A pre-evacuation order has been put in place and reverse 911 call made to 146 residents in Trappers Crossing and areas northwest of the fire. As of Sunday afternoon, the smoke column was quite visible from Durango.
The fire was burning in pinon and juniper on Southern Ute Indian Reservation land. The fire was a lightning holdover, which was reported about noon Sunday about one mile southwest of Animas Airpark. A Type III helicopter was making water drops most of the afternoon, and a heavy air tanker is en route from Southern California. Firefighters and engines on scene have responded from Durango Fire and Rescue, the U.S. Forest Service, Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribes and Jicarilla Apache Indian Tribe. The Durango Interagency Type III Incident Command Team is en route.
A gas well pad threatened earlier by the fire has been shut down by Chevron, and firefighters are working with other gas companies to prepare in the case of other well pads being threatened in the area.
A temporary flight restriction order is in place for Animas Airpark.
For more information, contact Pam Wilson, 970-799-2926 or Ann Bond, 970 799-1210.
