The Bureau of Indian Affairs reported a fire on Ute Mountain Ute land Thursday afternoon.
Acting Bureau of Indian Affairs Superintendent Keith Yessilth reported a 10-15-acre fire near the Barker Dome area about 3:30 p.m. Thursday.
Barker Dome is at the southeast corner of the Ute Mountain Ute reservation, southeast of Mesa Verde National Park and near the New Mexico border.
Yessilth reported the blaze via the Weenuche Smoke Signals Facebook page. He said the surrounding area contains hydrogen sulfide, which is considered a dangerous gas and can be combustible with dangerous fumes. There also are oil and gas wells in the area, he said.
Yessilth advised that tribal staff and community members should stay out of the area until the fire is contained.
