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Red flag fire weather fanning Colorado wildfires
A towering smoke plume from the Little Sand Fire, burning near Pagosa Springs. PHOTO COURTESY U.S. FOREST SERVICE.
The Little Sand Fire builds June 18 in the Sand Creek drainage. PHOTO COURTESY U.S. FOREST SERVICE.
By Summit Voice
SUMMIT COUNTY — Dangerous fire weather fueled new growth at the Little Sand Fire, burning in rugged backcountry terrain northwest of Pagosa Springs. The Little Sand Fire was the fastest-growing blaze in Colorado Monday, expanding to more than 13,000 acres.
Firefighters have the fire about 30 percent contained but reported extreme fire behavior Monday, with tree-to-tree torching and crown runs at the head of the fire. With more high winds, hot temperatures and low humidity in the forecast, more of the same is expected Tuesday.
The lightning-sparked fire has been burning since May 13. Firefighters said activity increased Monday, with aerial observers reporting an increase in the activity on both sides of Little Sand Creek.
Firefighters are in the area and continuing to focus on point protection. The smoke plume in the southwest area of the fire was visible as far away as Durango.
Filed under: climate and weather, Colorado, Drought, Environment, forest fires Tagged: | Colorado wildfires, Little Sand Fire, Pagosa Springs fire, Wildfires
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