A lightning-sparked fire is burning on the San Juan National Forest about eight miles northeast of the town of Dolores in the Boggy Draw area. According to a news release, crews with the U.S. Forest Service and BLM are working to contain the low-intensity, 40-acre Draw Fire within an area bounded by forest roads and trails. The blaze was reported Tuesday afternoon by a host at the McPhee Campground. Dolores District Fire Management Officer Patrick Seekins said live fuels still contain moisture, so the fire is spreading slowly. Firefighters are focusing operations and patrols along the Boggy Draw Road, Forest Road 527, and also on Forest Road 528. Crews will continue to patrol the area as long as the fire burns. Smoke is expected to be visible from the Dolores-Norwood Road and may settle into the town of Dolores at night.
UPDATE: September 8th, 9:30am: The Forest Service says crews used indirect burnout operations late Thursday to contain east portions of the Draw Fire along existing forest road systems and increase the fire to 120 acres. Crews are focusing operations and patrols, and smoke is expected to remain visible for the next few days.
