Hesperus, Colo. – Crews were battling two wildfires that blackened more than 3,000 acres and threatened 12 homes in Colorado today, including a 2,800-acre blaze near Mesa Verde National Park.
The fire near Mesa Verde in southwestern Colorado was threatening nine homes, a commercial building and six outbuildings or other structures.
The blaze, which started Thursday, was believed to have been caused by lightning. It was 20 percent contained today.
More than 330 firefighters and four helicopters were on the lines.
A 250-acre fire was burning near Norwood, also in southwestern Colorado. Three homes were threatened by the fire, which was started by lightning on Friday.
More than 80 firefighters and a helicopter were on the lines.
Four other Colorado blazes totaling about 2,800 acres were considered “ecological restoration” fires benefiting the environment. Two fires had one firefighter each monitoring the flames; two had at least one helicopter and crews of about 30 each on the lines.
TRAIL EAST FIRE: Started: July 14.
Location: Nine mile southwest of Hesperus, burning on federal land near Mesa Verde National Park in Montezuma County.
Size: 2,800 acres.
Containment: 20 percent.
Damage: None. Sixteen structures threatened, including nine homes.
On scene: 333 people on scene. Four helicopters, 21 engines, two dozers, five water tenders.
Cause: Lightning.
Cost: $952,000.
CRAIG DRAW FIRE: Started: July 15 Location: 4 miles east of Norwood in San Miguel County.
Size: 250 acres.
Containment: 0 percent.
Damage: None. Three homes threatened, but there have been no evacuations ordered. Some forest service roads have been closed.
On Scene: 82 people, one helicopter, four engines, two dozers.
Cause: Lightning.
Cost: Unavailable.
MASON FIRE Started: July 6.
Location: About two miles north of Beulah in Pueblo County and 160 miles south of Denver.
Size: 11,357 acres..
Containment: 100 percent contained.
Damage: None. No structures threatened.
On scene: 204 people, seven helicopters, and three engines.
Cause: Lightning.
Cost: $5.52 million.
NATURITA FIRE Started: June 29.
Location: Three miles south of Naturita in San Miguel County.
Size: 848 acres.
Containment: Fire is being managed for ecological restoration.
Damage: None.
On scene: 13 people.
Cause: Lightning.
Cost: $5,000.
RIO BLANCO Started: June 23.
Location: 10 miles southeast of Pagosa Springs in Archuleta County.
Size: 1,182 acres.
Containment: Fire is being managed for ecological restoration.
Damage: None.
On scene: 27 people, two helicopters.
Cause: Lightning.
Cost: $528,500.
PACK TRAIL Started: July 7.
Location: 10 miles west of Meeker.
Size: 800 acres.
Containment: Fire is being managed for ecological restoration.
Damage: None.
On scene: 33 people, one helicopter, one engine.
Cause: Lightning.
Cost: $178,200.
BUCK PARK 2 Started: July 7.
Location: 25 miles west of Saguache in the Rio Grande National Forest.
Size: 35 acres.
Containment: Fire is being managed for ecological restoration.
Damage: None.
On Scene: One person.
Cause: Lightning.
Cost: Unavailable.
