Two fires that burned out of control Monday in La Plata County were contained by firefighters, one three miles east of Elmore’s Corner and one near County Road 302, off U.S. Highway 550.
A controlled agricultural burn was reported out of control at about 12:40 p.m. three miles east of Elmore’s Corner along County Road 225A, between U.S. Highway 160 and County Road 510, according to Scot Davis with the Durango Fire Protection District.
The fire grew to 5 acres. Four engines, a tanker, three crews from DFPD, a wildland fire engine and crew, the battalion chief and his truck worked to control the fire, and it was reported to be under control around 2 p.m.
Another fire, which started in clusters of piñon and juniper trees and burned 1 acre, was reported at about 1:45 p.m. in the 1100 block of County Road 302, off U.S. Highway 550, south of Durango. One brush fire truck, two tankers, one engine, two command vehicles, 10 fire responders and an investigator were called to the location, and DFPD announced at 3:40 p.m. that the fire was under control. The cause is unknown and currently under investigation.
Both directions of County Road 302 were closed until crews clear the area for travel.
A red flag warning, which means conditions are ripe for wildland fires, was extended until 9 p.m. Burn permits for La Plata County have been revoked until further notice by DFPD.
In response to a warm, dry winter and emerging spring winds in Southwest Colorado, people are urged to discontinue all outdoor burn operations, including agricultural burns, until red flag warnings are lifted.
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