Tuesday, July 24, 2012 9:00 AM
Durango - Late-day rainfall on Monday decreased fire activity across much of the Air Park Fire area. Firefighters came off the fire beginning around 6:00 PM due to the rain. Growth was very moderate yesterday and the fire is now 5% contained. The fire has burned 499 acres; 405 acres of S. Ute land and 94 acres of Bureau of Reclamation land.
Firefighters conducted a firing operation Monday to test the conditions for a potential burnout. In doing so, they were able to secure the north end of the fire in the vicinity of the dam.
A reconnaissance of the fire area this morning showed virtually no smoke on the west and south sides of the fire. Air tankers dropped a lot of retardant in these areas yesterday and then hand crews followed with line construction.
The large bowl on the east side of the fire is where fire managers had hoped to conduct a burnout. Due to yesterday’s precipitation, the burnout will not happen. Firefighters will be looking at building line in key areas to keep the fire from spreading eastward.
There were approximately 150 fire personnel on the fire Monday. Some fire personnel will be released today and some are being staged since the Rocky Mountain Region is experiencing numerous new fire starts. Three helicopters will be available today to assist firefighters with dropping water on hot spots as needed; there will not be any air tankers.
There have been no injuries or accidents. Cost to date is $145,000.
Contact: Pam Wilson, Public Information Officer, 970-799-1179.