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Smoke from the Blue Ridge Fire is visible from Bayfield. (Jerry McBride\/Durango Herald)<\/p>\n
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Forest Lakes subdivision placed on evacuation, pre-evacuation notices<\/p>\n
The Blue Ridge Fire prompted the evacuation of homes on Hilltop Drive in the Forest Lakes subdivision. The fire, which started at 1:49 p.m. Friday, grew to 10 acres by 4:07 p.m., according to estimates from incident command. As of 3:30 p.m., the fire was moving northeast and away from residences.<\/p>\n
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The Blue Ridge Fire prompted the evacuation of homes on Hilltop Drive in the Forest Lakes subdivision. (Jerry McBride\/Durango Herald)<\/p>\n
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Upper Pine Fire Protection District responded to the blaze. Durango Fire Protection District Chief Randy Black said his agency is sending a wildfire battalion, wildfire chief and brush truck as mutual aid, alongside resources from Los Pinos Fire Protection District and the U.S. Forest Service.<\/p>\n
According to Watch Duty, the fire started at 1 acre and has a high rate of spread. Additionally, multiple air tankers and helicopters are assisting ground crews.<\/p>\n
In a news release from La Plata County, emergency management and law enforcement implored the public to stay away from the active fire areas whenever possible. Traffic from passersby and onlookers can clog roads and delay responses for firefighting crews who need to move quickly throughout the fire zones, the release said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe public is reminded that flying drones anywhere near an active fire is strictly prohibited,\u201d the release said. \u201cFirefighting aircraft are unable to perform their critical duties if civilian drones are in the air. Interfering with firefighting operations on public lands can incur a fine of up to $20,000 and 12 months in prison.\u201d<\/p>\n
Evacuees were asked to check in at Bayfield High School, at 800 County Road 501, Bayfield.<\/p>\n