by MichaelKrupa | May 18, 2022

Ute Pass Fire
Durango, Colorado

 7:30PM – Fire Update

 Durango Fire Rescue was dispatched at 3:46PM on May 13, 2022 to Ute Pass Road in the 4000 Block of C.R. 240 in Durango, to a Brush/Grass Fire. Initial response crews immediately noticed a smoke column from town while responding.  Immediate coordination with State and Federal partners occurred with additional resources ordered. Initial response from Durango Fire included 2 Engines, 3 Brush Units, 1 Medic Unit, and 2 Response Chiefs.

On arrival, Durango Fire Rescue found an approximate 10 acre, active fire burning in grass and oak brush, spreading quickly.  Initial crews focused on triage, structure protection and evacuations under direction of initial Incident Commander, BC Jeff Harris

Fire is now approximately 30 acres and is being attacked by both ground and air resources.  Fire is at the top of Ute Pass Road with structures nearby.  No structures have been lost.  The fire did breach the top of the ridge line towards C.R. 237 (Horse Gulch) however is not moving into that area currently.

Evacuations have been ordered for the Ute Pass Subdivision. Ute Pass West is under pre-evacuation.  Evacuation link: https://gis.laplata.co.us/portal/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=f114dc74ad4d42168a0b038a4a0b237a

Fire is currently being managed by DFPD Incident Commander, Scott Nielsen and working directly with Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) and USFS.  The fire is burning on private land and bordering BLM land.

Fire Resources on Scene:

• Durango Fire Rescue
• USFS Fire Crews
• DFPC Battalion Chief
• Air Attack Platform with 1 Helicopter and 2 Large Air Tankers
• 2 Dozers
• 54 Personnel

Fire Investigation is currently occurring with DFPD Fire Marshal.