Beaver Creek fire still under watch

Beaver Creek fire still under watch

October 23, 2001

Firefighters continue to monitor the Beaver Creek fire burning 10 miles northeast of Dolores.

Cool weather and rain helped squelch the spread of the fire, which only grew by 5 acres over the weekend. It now totals 355 burned acres since it started two weeks ago.

According to the Dolores Public Lands Office of the San Juan National Forest, the lightning-sparked blaze is being allowed to burn within the confines of Beaver Creek Canyon, which is west of the Dolores-Norwood Road (FDR 526) and east of FDR 238 on the northwest rim of Beaver Creek.

Twenty firefighters, several engines, and one helicopter are helping to monitor the fire, which is being used to train firefighters around the region.

According to Todd Gardiner, the fire-engine supervisor, fire management officers are considering how large they plan to-let the fire grow, but have yet to make a decision.

"We do have containment lines in mind in front of the fire should we need them and we have scouted out any structures in the area and have plans to protect them if it does become necessary," said Gardiner.

The fire is considered to provide resource benefits by reducing fuel buildup.