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DURANGO, CO - The prediction of an active wildland fire season for Southwest Colorado came true on May 20th, 2006. This fire, driven by warm temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds forced the evacuation of a Durango, CO neighborhood.

At approximately 1332 hours, Durango Fire & Rescue Authority units were dispatched to the area of Highland Avenue & Glenisle Avenue on a report of a brush fire. EMS Supervisor Randy Black, the initial IC for this incident, arrived on scene and reported that he had trees torching in a wooded area behind the homes in the subdivision.

While Durango Firefighters started an initial fire attack and set up to provide structure protection, an area evacuation was initiated. Air attack resources were called for early in the incident and were provided by the Mesa Verde Helitack Crew stationed in Hesperus, CO.

Battalion Chief Mick Stowers assumed command upon his arrival, and initiated a recall of all available volunteer and off-duty career firefighters. The fire was contained in just about 3 hours and held to about 10 acres. Resources from the US Forest Service’s Columbine District also assisted in containing the fast moving fire. No structures were damaged.

At the time of this report the fire’s cause is under investigation by the DFRA Fire Marshal’s Office.