Where incident command yurts and infrared mapping supported efforts to contain the Stoner Mesa Fire, the hoof-worn grounds are once again open to the public.
Used since mid-August as an incident command post for the Stoner Mesa Fire, the Montezuma County Fairgrounds has reopened for regular use, according to an announcement posted Friday on the county’s Facebook page.
“After a brief closure to host the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team while they supported the Stoner Mesa Fire, the Montezuma County Fairgrounds are now open for all normal operations, including open riding, overnight stays, and the use of stalls,” the Facebook post read.
The fairgrounds were briefly used by fire crews with the Bureau of Indian Affairs starting Aug. 5 to combat the Waters Canyon Fire, according to a land-use agreement signed by the Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners in mid-August.
The lightning-caused Waters Canyon Fire was first reported Aug. 2 on Ute Mountain Ute land near Mesa Verde National Park. The fire grew to about 200 acres before being 100% contained as of Thursday, according to Watch Duty.
BIA crews left on Aug. 17, Fairgrounds Manager Justin McGuire said during a public meeting with the commissioners.
The fairgrounds stayed busy, with additional space needed to support efforts against the Stoner Mesa Fire, burning northeast of Dolores.
The U.S. Forest Service established an incident command base starting Aug. 13 to combat the lightning-caused Stoner Mesa Fire. At that time, the fire was burning more than 7,000 acres with 0% containment amid drought conditions and largely inaccessible terrain.
Now, with the incident command base gone, the fire has been reduced to smoldering patches, suppressed by the late arrival of monsoonal rains. The fire is now more than 10,200 acres, with about 50% containment and minimal activity.
According to a land-use agreement signed by the Montezuma County BOCC on Aug. 19, the U.S. Forest Service was charged a fee of $2,100 per day, in addition to other billing for items such as potable water and RV hookups.
The crews had anticipated a 14-day stay, McGuire said. With the fairgrounds back to normal Thursday, the fire crews left within the expected time frame.
The Montezuma County Fair had just wrapped up before the incident command was set up. A few events, like a barrel race and a canning class, had to be canceled to make way for the crews, McGuire said.
But, he said at the time, the crews would likely be gone in time for a Colorado Junior High and High School Rodeo, scheduled for Sept. 13–14. With that weekend approaching, McGuire was correct.
