Do Your Part to Prevent Wildfires

There are several active fires in the region and Southwest Colorado is currently experiencing Extreme Drought conditions, according to the US Drought Monitor. Businesses and activities in the Durango area have not been affected by the fires. There is some visible smoke and haze, but there are plenty of activities to enjoy summer in and around Durango. Area residents and travelers should remain alert to emergency announcements. 

Due to current drought conditions and the active fires in the area, the City of Durango has canceled the Fourth of July Fireworks display to protect the safety and wellbeing of the community. Please contact Durango Parks and Recreation Department at (970) 375-7321 or rec@DurangoGov.org with any questions.

Fire Conditions and Weather for Wednesday, July 8th

• Yellow Jacket Fire - 395 acres and 95% containment. Located 60 miles northwest of Durango in Montezuma County, just east of HWY 491 and north of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument (CANM).
• Morfield Fire - 46 acres and 0% containment. Located approx. 35 miles west of Durango, on the east side of Mesa Verde National Park. The park is open. Service in Morefield are not impacted at this time. Due to extreme fire danger and Covid-19 precautions, there are limited services and facilities available in the park. The current fire ban, enacted on May 24, 2020, remains in effect. Please do not stop in the roadway, allow fire personnel to have right of way, and remember drones are prohibited in Mesa Verde National Park.
• Sand Creek Fire - 101 acres and 0% containment. Located 75 miles east of Durango, in the Piedra Special Management Area of the San Juan National Forest.

There is another Red Flag Warning in effect today. Temperatures are expected to be near 88 degrees with relative humidity dropping to the low teens. Winds could gust to around 25 mph in the afternoon. Fire danger across the region is rated as extreme.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in place on the San Juan National Forest and within La Plata County, so please be considerate of fire restrictions while you are visiting. Stage 1 Fire Restrictions help land management agencies prevent wildfires during periods of high to extreme fire danger. 

Current Closures

• No road closures anticipated. Travelers can check road status at www.COTrip.org or by calling 511 or 303-639-1111.
• A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_0_9856.html
• There are numerous fire restrictions due to the high fire danger.
• Fireworks are banned in many areas due to those restrictions and are ALWAYS illegal on your Public Lands.

Air Quality and Smoke from the Fire

If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and the elderly. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in your area, smoke has reached unhealthy levels. Please visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke for more info. 

Follow @VisitDurango on Facebook and Instagram for summertime activities and adventure inspiration. Stop by or call the Durango Welcome Center at 802 Main Avenue or 800-525-8855 for alternate activity suggestions. There is still plenty to see and do in and around Durango!

Where can I get more information?

• Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch: (970) 385-1324
• For questions on the fire, call the La Plata County Fire hotline: (970) 385-8700
• BLM - Southwest Colorado Fire and Aviation Management Unit: (970) 240-1070, and follow https://twitter.com/SWD_Fire or https://www.facebook.com/BLMMontroseFireUnit/
• To sign up for Reverse 911 emergency notifications for your area - copy and paste the link: http://www.co.laplata.co.us/emergency

For the latest COVID updates:

• Updated activities: https://www.durango.org/covid/
• Travel alerts: https://www.durango.org/plan/coronavirus/
• Care for Durango - Travel Tips & Safety: https://www.durango.org/care-for-durango/