Publications

Contact Us

Small brush fire at Bar Ni Ranch shows how dry it is

by Bill Knowles
LAS ANIMAS COUNTY  — A small brush fire reported last Wednesday burned only 12 acres, but shows how dry it is on the south facing slopes of the foothills in the Sangre de Cristos, even though the north slopes still have about two-feet of snow on them, according to Fire Chief John Jenkins with the Stonewall Fire Protection District.
“The fire was located in a stand of scrub oak, and luckily there was enough moisture in the leaves that it was pretty contained,” Chief Jenkins said.

“The cause of the fire was there had been a burn pile there from about two weeks ago when we had plenty of snow. Some of the embers were still hot and started this one.”

Fire protection districts from the around the area provided mutual aid. Along with Stonewall Fire Protection District were Fishers Peak Fire Protection District, Spanish Peaks Fire Protection District, and Bon Carbo Fire Protection District. The Division of Fire Prevention and Control also provided a helicopter. It was unable to dip its bucket but did provide necessary information about the fire from the air.

There were no injuries even though the firefighting took place on a steep slope, according to Chief Jenkins.
The fire was extinguished by Thursday afternoon.

Cement plant concerns

Building inspector suggests a negotiated move out of Northlands to site near prison WALSENBURG — The Walsenburg City Council convened a special meeting Friday, March

Read More »