Firefighters made good progress on the Vallecito Fire Thursday. The fire is estimated at 230 acres and is now 5% contained. An infrared flight tonight will provide a more accurate acreage as well as help pinpoint hot spots.
Two heavy airtankers and a heavy helicopter began dropping retardant and water on the fire around 11:30 a.m. and were able to continue throughout the afternoon. The helicopter was able to draw water from Vallecito Reservoir so it was able to make numerous drops. Two dozers and three 20-person hand crews worked along the southern flank of the fire and were able to complete line in that area. Resources are being shared with the Little East and other fires in the area as needed.
There have been no evacuations; however, 18 residences in the Lake Vista Estates remain under a pre-evacuation notice.
Safety continues to be a major concern on this fire due to the large number of snags. No accidents or injuries have occurred.
The fire, which began Oct. 16, is burning to the west of Vallecito Reservoir and County Road 501, and is about one mile from the Vallecito community.
Fire information is being posted at www.inciweb.org and is also available on the Upper Pine Rive and FireWise of Southwest Colorado Facebook pages. Photos and maps will be added as they become available.