PAGOSA SPRINGS – The Horse Fire is a lightning started fire burning in the Horse Creek drainage, approximately eight miles north of Highway 160 and Chimney Rock.

The 90-acre fire is burning in dense standing and downed dead aspen, dense oak brush and in steep terrain. Firefighters are using a confine and contain strategy to protect the values at risk in concert with the primary objective of firefighter and public safety. The confine and contain strategy includes direct control lines, indirect perimeter control lines and utilizing natural features to limit the spread of the fire.  This strategy on the Horse Fire provides the highest probability of success while actively engaging the fire on our terms.

Approximately 60 firefighters, including a hot shot crew and an initial attack crew are on scene, and additional resources arrived Thursday afternoon, with more expected on Friday. Aerial resources continue to assist efforts to limit the spread of the fire in order for firefighters to build containment lines. 

Smoke from the fire is visible from Bayfield, Ignacio, Durango, Hesperus Hill and Pagosa Springs. The fire was discovered Tuesday, August 28th. No structures or private land are currently threatened.

In order to ensure public and firefighter safety in association with the Horse Fire, the San Juan National Forest has implemented a Special Order closing the area, roads, and trails in the vicinity of the fire to all public entry.  The West Monument Road (NFSR 630), Devil Mountain Trail (NFST 600) and the Horse Creek Trail (NFST 689) are some of the more well-known routes affected by the closure. Details relating to the special order may also be found online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sanjuan/notices/?cid=STELPRDB5245061

For additional information, please contact Pagosa Ranger District (970) 264-2268.