by MichaelKrupa | May 18, 2022

Fire Investigation of Ute Pass Fire is Complete

 The fire investigation on the Ute Pass Fire in Durango, Colorado was completed on May 16, 2022, by investigators with Durango Fire Protection District and Brenda Rice & Associates (wildfire origin and cause consultant).  The investigation determined that the general origin area is on private property identified as 57 Ute Pass Trail.  The investigation was performed per the recommended procedures, practices, and techniques to determine the ignition area, cause, and ignition sequence.  The property owner was forthcoming and helpful in the investigation.  The cause of the fire was a rock strike from a heavy-duty brush mower cutter being used on the property.  The spark from the rock strike landed in the fine vegetative material that had just been cut with the mower thereby starting the fire.  Durango Fire Protection District is not pursuing charges on this accidental fire.

Contact:
DFPD Fire Marshal Karola J. Hanks
104 Sheppard Drive
Durango, Colorado 81303
970-382-6023
Karola.Hanks@durangofire.org