Montrose, COLO. — Montrose County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is aware of a small wildfire approximately 3.5 miles north of Norwood on Deer Mesa on public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). BLM, MCSO deputies, San Miguel Sheriff’s Office deputies, Norwood Fire, Placerville Fire, and Telluride Fire Protection District’s Wildfire Crew are currently working the Nelson Ditch Fire. Two Single Engine Air Tanker (SEATs) and one helicopter have been ordered as air resources.
The Nelson Ditch Fire is estimated at 10-20 acres and moving northeast, and is not currently threatening any structures. The flame lengths are 30-40 feet and the fire is burning in pinyon-juniper fuels towards San Miguel Canyon area. There is a large amount of smoke in the area. Individuals with concerns for air quality should stay indoors, filter air through an air conditioning unit or evaporative cooler, and avoid exercise or strenuous activities in smoky conditions.
There are currently horses being evacuated in the area as well. The San Miguel County Fairgrounds is accepting evacuated horses. Please contact DeeAnna Burbridge at 970-428-3303 to arrange accommodations at the fairgrounds.
Fire updates will be posted to westslopefireinfo.com.
Please avoid the area of County Road 42ZN and Moondance Trail in order to give fire and emergency personnel space to work. Do not call dispatch to report the smoke. There is additional smoke in the area in both the east and west end of the county from wildfires burning in surrounding states.
Residents are encouraged to sign-up for CodeRED emergency notification. You may list your home phone (landline) or download the CodeRED app for your smart phone. The best way to ensure your safety is to stay informed and signing-up for automated emergency messaging through Code Red. It is free and the application process only takes a minute. Click here.
