A lightning storm on the afternoon of June 13 ignited the Sand Creek fire on the San Juan National Forest’s Pagosa Ranger District. The Sand Creek fire (107 acres) is 21 miles Northwest of Pagosa and is burning in the 2012 Little Sand fire perimeter in the Piedra Special Management Area. After assessing the fire from the ground, the decision was made not to engage due to a high density of hazardous snags, heavy fuel loads, and difficult terrain.
A forest closure went into effect on June 25 for the area surrounding the Sand Creek fire. This closure included the Sand Creek Trail (593), North Ridge Trail (594), and the Mosca road (NSFR 631). The forest closure has been lifted as of yesterday, July 27, and all roads and trails are open.
The Sand Creek fire has received significant moisture and more is predicted. The fire is now at 60% containment. The fire will not be called out until Fire managers are certain no heat remains.
The Pagosa Fire Management Staff will provide additional fire updates if there is an increase in fire activity.
All offices on the San Juan National Forest are conducting business and providing visitor services virtually. For information on the San Juan National Forest, call (970) 247-4874, or visit the San Juan National Forest website.