DURANGO - October 9, 2012, 9:30 am. The Goblin Fire in the Animas Canyon north of Durango is now estimated at 60 acres, burning on the east side of the Animas Canyon two miles south of Needleton near the confluence with Cascade Creek. The fire, which was reported on Saturday, is believed to have been started by the Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge Train. Three U.S. Forest Service firefighters are on the scene; however, because the fire is burning on steep, rocky and inaccessible slopes, they have not been able to work on containment. The fire has burned into the Weminuche Wilderness.
Southeast of Pagosa Springs, the Cinnamon Bear is fully contained this morning at 85 acres. A type 3 helicopter and one hotshot crew will remain on the fire for mop-up operations. .
Near Dolores, a U.S. Forest Service investigation into the origin of the Big Bend Fire has determined the fire, which was reported midday October 6, was human caused. The fire burned approximately eight acres of National Forest land on a bluff overlooking the Dolores Cemetery above McPhee Reservoir. Evidence collected at the scene indicates someone had been in the area driving golf balls, and these people may have information about the start of the fire. Anyone with information about these individuals or about the start of the fire is asked to contact Special Agent Brenda Schultz at 907-385-1311.
The weather forecast calls for widespread mountain showers later this week; this change in the weather pattern, combined with dropping temperatures, is expected to aide firefighter efforts and lower fire danger somewhat. The first rifle hunting season starts this weekend.