Forest Service reports several new fires in Four Corners area

The Durango Interagency Fire Dispatchis reporting several new fires in the Four Corners area Tuesday.
The largest of them is the Vallecito Fire, which is estimated to be burning 40 to 50 acres about one mile west of the southern end of Vallecito Reservoir up Jack Creek in the National Forest. The fire was reported at noon Tuesday - its origin is not known but suspected to be from lightning that has been smoldering since last week’s storm. About two dozen firefighters from the US Forest Service, Upper Pine and Los Pinos fire districts have responded. A type 3 helicopter is making water drops. Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch has ordered two heavy air tankers, two single engine air tankers, and a type 1 helicopter. No structures threatened at this time, but there is private property is about one mile below the fire. The Jack Fire is believed to be burning within the area burned by the Missionary Ridge Fire of 2002. In addition, the San Juan National Forest is currently flying a reconnaissance flight north of Durango to check on reports of smoke in the Rockwood and Needleton areas, which are not believed to be coming from the remnants of the Goblin Fire...more