An electrical storm that blew into the region Monday afternoon sparked several wildfires in Southwest Colorado, and more are expected this week.
"We're just trying to get to them as soon as we can to keep them small," said Justin Moore of the Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch Center.
A total of eight fires were reported, including a few fires in the Cedar Mesa area and one burning on the north escarpment of Mesa Verde National Park. Others were on the north end of Weber Mountain, one north of Mancos and the Cimarrona Fire burning northwest of Pagosa Springs.
All except the Cimarrona Fire were contained at less than an acre in size as of 8 p.m. Monday. No structures were immediately threatened.
Two helicopters and a 20-member hot-shot crew were assisting. A single-engine air tanker also was available.
Weather observers reported 302 lightning strikes between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The bolts occurred near Dolores, Mesa Verde, Towaoc and the higher elevations in the San Juan Mountains.
"It's dry outside and windy," Moore said. "That's what we're concerned about; it's as dry as it has been."
The storm carried little moisture, which means the strikes could smolder for several days while winds fan them, potentially leading to more fires, said Butch Knowlton, director of La Plata County's Office of Emergency Preparedness.
"It's not uncommon to see fires develop a few days after the lightning storm has passed through the community," he said. "Now that we've had these storms, I think there's going to be some elevated concern.
"Every fire-response agency in this corner of the state is watching this activity very carefully," he said.
Weather forecasters are predicting wind gusts up to 20 mph and a chance of afternoon thunderstorms with more lightning through Thursday.
"It's another red-flag-warning day," Forest Service Public Affairs Specialist Ann Bond said about today. "We're expecting high temperatures and high, gusty winds."
The red-flag warning, which indicates high fire danger, is in effect from noon to 8 p.m. today.
A downed power line south of Bayfield also resulted in a small fire. Firefighters with the Upper Pine River Fire Protection District and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe responded.
"A tree fell on a power line," said Bruce Evans, chief of Upper Pine. "It was just smoking. (La Plata Electric Association) has been handling a dozen calls like this all day, so it's pretty minor."
shane@durangoherald.com
