LEWIS-ARRIOLA — A structure fire is burning Wednesday mid morning near the 16000 block of County Road N, which authorities believe is the result of a resident burning trash piles.
Montezuma County Sheriff Steve Nowlin said Nowlin said as of 11 a.m. Wednesday, the fire is contained to one structure as firefighters from Lewis-Arriola Fire Department and Cortez Fire Protection District are responding.
A county alert cautioned people passing by and motorists to yield to emergency vehicles and avoid the area.
“We believe it may have been started by a woman burning trash,” Nowlin said. “In the last update I got, we were able to keep it contained to that property. We believe there will be arson criminal charges.”
He said he wasn’t sure how the investigation of an open fire during a fire ban will turn out, but Sheriff’s Office detectives as well as the undersheriff are on scene.
No injuries have been reported. Nowlin said crews are expected to remain on scene for some time extinguishing hot spots and ensuring the fire is fully contained.
As of May 28, a fire ban is in effect for Montezuma County’s incorporated areas, meaning all open fires and using fireworks are not allowed. Residential, charcoal barbecues and gas barbecue grill 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 cautioned 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
