Stoner Mesa Fire slows; crews shift focus to cleanup
Although firefighters continue to patrol the fire’s edge and extinguish hot spots, the Stoner Mesa Fire has largely slowed, according to a news release issued Wednesday morning from San Juan Team 8.
Crews report the fire line is no longer necessary, structure protection equipment has been removed from homes, and a Dolores County preevacuation status was lifted as of Aug. 30.
The fire has held steady at 10,249 acres since Aug. 26 and is now 47% contained.
With a slight chance of rain showers today and more rain likely later this week, the fire is expected to continue to be suppressed.
Fire officials say today will be the final release of smoke maps, indicating smoke is no longer significant enough to report.
Nonetheless, fire crews remain active with ongoing tasks.
On Tuesday, Elk Creek Wildfire Module firefighters extinguished hot spots near the fire’s edge on the western side of Taylor Mesa. A 1,400-gallon Soft Track vehicle is assisting with water delivery.
To get ahead of erosion from anticipated rainfall, a Type 2 team used hand tools to install water bars on a section of fire line near Stoner.
Wood chippers and masticators are clearing brush and slash throughout the fire area.
Crews are removing hoses, pumps and tanks from properties south of Fish Creek along County Road 38.
