As the harsh winds departed Saturday, fire crews were able to maKe major headway in containing a wildfire in Montrose County.
According to a Bureau of Land Management news release, the Sunrise Mine fire, about four miles north of Paradox, was about 30 percent contained as of Sunday night. More than 5,200 acres of public land have burned on the fire that ignited around 5 p.m. on Friday. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
At this time, no structures have burned.
A total of seven aircraft, six engines, three 20-person crews and about 20 overhead personnel on the scene. Additional resources including a type one team recently moved into the area. Multiple local resources are also on scene fighting the fire.
Saturday’s 60 mph gusts also fanned a blaze near Pagosa Springs, which grew dramatically to more than 2,300 acres.
The Little Sand Fire northwest of Pagosa Springs, which was started by a lightning strike on May 13, was estimated at only 490 acres Saturday morning.
