The U.S. Forest Service continues to monitor two wildfires in the San Juan National Forest outside of Dolores. Neither is expected to threaten the public.
As of press deadline on Monday, the larger blaze atop Haycamp Mesa had consumed 41 acres. Located about nine miles northeast of Dolores, the wildfire was ignited by lightning around 1:45 p.m. on July 15. The fire is contained, said U.S. Forest Service fire management officer Patrick Seekins.
"We haven't had any acreage growth in the last couple of days," said Seekin.
Officials advise that smoke may be visible during daytime hours, and some light drift smoke could linger overnight along portions of the Dolores River Canyon, specifically between mile markers 20-24 along Hwy. 145.
A fire sign is posted along FS Rd 558 leading into the fire area to inform the public. For more, contact the Dolores Ranger District at (970) 882-7296.
A second wildfire atop Stoner Mesa has also been reported. Officials said that blaze, located approximately 17 miles northeast of Dolores, was also ignited by a lightning strike about 3:30 p.m. on July 18.
Seekins explained the Stoner Mesa fire was located on an inaccessible north-facing mountainside, adding it was contained to a tenth of an acre and hadn't spread.
"We haven't seen any smoke in the last seven days," said Seekin.
A drying trend with higher temperatures and lower relative humidity is expected, but there's a chance of moisture and higher humidity moving in towards the end of the week.
BLM control burns
Bureau of Land Management officials have announced plans to ignite several prescribed burns within the West Delores Rim Project.
"The prescribed burns will treat 262 acres of ponderosa pine and Gambel oak," said BLM spokesperson Chris Barth.
The West Dolores Rim Project includes five separate units - all located about five miles east of Egnar on BLM-managed lands. Crews anticipate introducing fire to two units this week. Several units of the West Dolores Rim Project were successfully treated earlier in the year.
In a statement, Barth said above normal precipitation, cooler temperatures and below average fire danger has helped to create desirable conditions to conduct the prescribed burns. The burn plan includes Colorado air pollution control smoke permits, which identify atmospheric conditions under which the burns can be implemented.
"Each prescribed burn is anticipated to last one day, with an additional three days of monitoring both burns once completed to ensure public safety," said Barth.Officials caution that smoke may remain visible in the area for several days.