LEWIS-ARRIOLA — Law enforcement have contained a house fire near the 16000 block of County Road N that started mid-morning Wednesday after an ember escaped from a burn barrel and ignited a nearby woodshed, Steve Nowlin, Montezuma County sheriff, said.
Nowlin said a man in his nineties who lives at the residence and his 71-year-old daughter escaped unharmed. Firefighters from Lewis-Arriola Fire Department and Cortez Fire Protection District responded, and the fire was contained early afternoon.
The man’s daughter was using a burn barrel to dispose of cardboard. Nowlin said the daughter placed cardboard boxes into the barrel, which was covered by a screen, and she went inside the home to grab more boxes. An ember escaped and landed on the ground and ignited a woodshed nearby. The fire rapidly spread to the home.
Though the residence is declared a loss, it was contained to the homeowner’s property. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents with clothing, shelter and other immediate needs.
A county alert Wednesday cautioned people passing by and motorists to yield to emergency vehicles and avoid the area.
Earlier Wednesday, law enforcement anticipated filing criminal arson charges. But that afternoon, the sheriff’s office said no criminal charges will arise from the incident.
“It is what it is,” Nowlin said. “The fire departments were able to contain it there, not let it spread, and everyone is safe – but the property is gone.”
Since May 28, a fire ban has been in effect for Montezuma County’s incorporated areas, meaning all open fires and the use of fireworks are prohibited. Residential, charcoal barbecues and gas barbecue grills are acceptable, according the county’s amended Ordinance No. 2 from 2015. The fine for violating the ordinance is up to $1,000.
Municipalities and federal land have similar but separate restrictions. For more information on fire restrictions by jurisdiction, visit the county’s website.
A National Weather Service red flag warning is in effect until 9 p.m. Wednesday, meaning low humidity, dry fuels and gusty winds are contributing to fire danger.
In these conditions, according to the National Weather Service, fires may catch and spread quickly. Residents are asked to avoid open burning, burn barrels, campfires, parking in tall grass, throwing cigarettes from car windows, and welding or grinding in dry vegetation.
awatson@the-journal.com
