Shawn Bittle is assistant fire chief for the Cortez Protection District.
The Cortez Fire Protection District reported two small fires since April 12.
A 1-acre fire burned about 4:30 p.m. on April 12 in the Cortez Ditch, which runs from Empire Street near the BMX track northeast to Tucker Lane, Assistant Chief Shawn Bittle said Monday. The fire scorched an acre, crews fought it for an hour, and it remains under investigation, he said.
A second fire scorched a 20-by-20 foot area about 6 p.m. Sunday behind the Kiva Montessori School property at 1204 E. Empire St., he said. Crews were on scene for a few minutes, and Bittle said a teenager reportedly set the fire.
Residents need a permit for controlled burns in Cortez. County residents should call Cortez dispatch at 565-8441, he said.
