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SITUATION REPORT 2006-5

Report Date: May 25, 2006

Event Type: Wildfire (Durango, LaPlata County)

Situation: The Black Ridge Fire (37degrees 06' 02" and 107degrees 58' 19", High Flume Canyon & Black Ridge, about 15-18 miles SW of Durango, entirely on the Southern Ute Reservation) remains active. It has burned approximately 388 acres and has not been contained. It is believed to have been started by a lightning strike either on May 19 th or 22 nd that smoldered for days. This a terrain driven fire due to the numerous geological obstacles to slow it down; however, though vegetation is sparse, it's flaring up again. A dozer line cut was conducted along the western flank on May 24th, however the fire jumped across about 03:30am, May 25th.

Thus far, LaPlata County, Bureau of Indian Affairs, nor the Southern Ute Tribe have issued an evacuation order. The reverse 911 system is standing ready if an order is given. Local entities have already begun to receive calls from potential Memorial Day vacationers.

The San Juan Public Lands Type 3 (Ron Klatt) team is in command. A Type 2 Management Team has been requested.

Weather Report: Winds on May 25th are expected to be 15-20 mph with temperatures in the mid- to high 80's.

Agencies Involved: Bureau of Indian Affairs, LaPlata County Office of Emergency Management, LaPlata County Sheriff’s Office, Southern Ute Tribe, and U.S. Forest Service.

Additional Assistance Requested: None at this time.

Misc. Info: LaPlata County Emergency Coordination Center was activated today. A press tour of the area took place the morning of May 25 th. This fire is being reported nationally.