Another wildfire sparked Monday afternoon in the Colorado mountains west of Silverton.
New initial attack fire in the Durango zone, the "Ice" fire was reported at 1:32 pm. RMA sending AA, helicopters and SEATs have been ordered. Approx. location is west of Silverton by Ice Lake. L/L: 37 48.660/-107 46.800 NFI
— RMACC (@RMACCinfo)
The Ice fire was reported at about 1:30 p.m. Monday and aircraft are fighting the fire, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Ground crews are on the way.
The fire is west of Silverton near Ice Lakes Trailhead, said Esther Godson, public affairs officer with San Juan National Forest.
The fire, about 20 acres, is burning through heavy timber near the South Mineral Campground, Godson said.
Forest Service Road 585, also known as South Mineral Road, has been closed.
The forest service is coordinating with San Juan County to make sure that hikers and campers in the area are notified and are evacuated from the area out of harm’s way, Godson said.
Ice Lake Basin is in the San Juan National Forest and there’s a trail leading to Lower Ice Lake, which sits just below timberline, about 11,500-feet elevation. Hikers and backcountry users are asked to avoid the area. Smoke may be visible to surrounding area. It’s about seven miles from the trailhead to Silverton.
Weather in the area on Monday afternoon was warm, dry and windy, Godson said. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
