Rain and snow fell last night on the 3,200-acre San Miguel Canyon fire, which had been fanned by wind gusts of 45- to 60-mph over the weekend.
BLM spokeswoman Erin Curtis said temperatures are much lower today, which when combined with the moisture, should help firefighters in their efforts against the blaze.
Curtis said the sustained winds over the fire today are expected to be 10- to 15 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.
The fire is about 10 minutes outside of Norwood and has not threatened any homes or other structures in the vicinity, said Curtis. Norwood is about 33 miles northwest of Telluride in San Miguel County.
She said that the closest the fire has come to homes is about two to three miles from the Sanborn and Brown’s Ranch areas, but the homes there have not been threatened.
No evacuation orders have been issued.
However, officials are encouraging residents around Wrights Mesa, Brown Ranch, Iron Springs, MacKensie Mesa and along Sanborn Park Road to stay alert.
The fire has been an area of considerable fuel including pine trees, Douglas fir and thick oak brush.
There are currently 180 firefighters on scene, plus fire tenders from Norwood and Montrose. Among the firefighters are two hotshot crews from Durango and Monument plus an inmate crew from Rifle.
A Type 2 Incident Team, consisting of an incident commander and supporting logistics personnel, have arrived at the fire.
Curtis said winds have been too strong for helicopters or planes to be used.
Downed power lines near Colorado 145 and Goodenough Road caused the fire, said Curtis.
Highway 145 is currently open.
However, the San Miguel River remains closed between Beaver Creek and Norwood Bridge because of hazardous trees in the area. Crews will work to remove the trees today. Two small campsites along the river were evacuated Saturday afternoon.
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com
