Structure Fire - 08/07/14 - Durango, CO

On August 7th, 2014 at 1930 hours, the Durango Fire District (DFD) was dispatched to the 4800 block of Highway 172 for a report of a shed on fire. Automatic aid was also added to the assignment, sending additional Water Tenders from the Los Pinos and Upper Pine Fire Districts to the scene. Initial reports indicated that a tree and shed were on fire at the location. As additional calls were received at the 9-1-1 Center, a corrected address of 5872 Highway 172 was aired. Callers had also reported that the fire had spread to a second structure.

Seeing a large column of smoke in the area, Battalion Chief Tony Harwig requested additional units from the DFD, as well as an additional Engine Company from Los Pinos Fire District. The incident was within line-of-sight of the Durango- LaPlata County Airport, and Airport Firefighters offered the use of one of their Airport Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) Units. Upon arrival, Chief Harwig was faced with a fully involved shed; a well involved building that at one time served as a community hall for the area; and two threatened residential exposures at the north and south end of the burning structures. Los Pinos Fire Units were assigned to the north exposure, Durango Fire Units to the south exposure, and the Airport ARFF Unit assigned to deploy its roof turret nozzle on the burning structures.

The ARFF Unit utilized its tank water to slow the fire’s growth, as additional water tenders started to stage on the highway. The ARFF Unit was returned to the airport and a water shuttle operation was established. The defensive fire attack and exposure protection efforts resulted in the fire being held to the buildings that were involved upon arrival. Mutual Aid Units were released as Durango Fire personnel continued extinguishing hot spots. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the DFD Fire Marshal’s Office.