On July 17, 2022, at approx. 6:26 p.m., smoke was reported in the 30 block of Freds Court in the Aspen
Springs Unit 6 subdivision. The notification was received through the 911 system managed by Archuleta
County Combined Dispatch center.
While en route, update was given that an explosion had been reported after initial page. Responding
fire officer requested a second alarm for additional personnel and apparatus.
Upon arrival, first due engine company noted a single-story residential structure with heavy smoke and
fire showing from all sides. In addition to structure, three passenger vehicles and one camper trailer
were actively burning. Fire had also spread to adjacent oak brush surrounded by dry grass and pin
needle cast off. First arriving engine initiated a defensive attack, applying water to structure, vehicles
and camper. The purpose of the defensive attack was to protect additional exposures and slow fire
growth in the surrounding fuel bed.
Additional fire units were to build handline around wildland fire area to prevent further fire spread.
Suppression crews used chainsaws to brush out area surrounding exposures.
Fire occurred in a non-hydrant area; water tenders were utilized to shuttle water to on-scene engines.
Structure was unoccupied at the time of incident.
PFPD responded with two engines, three tenders, one chief vehicle, two support vehicles, nine paid staff
members, and seven volunteers. Archuleta County Emergency Operations Center assisted with one
wildland brush truck. One PSMC ambulance staged on scene to provide medical care if necessary.
Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office had Deputies on scene to assist with road closure and investigation.
PFPD was on scene for approx. two and a half hours.
There are no civilian or firefighter injuries to report. The origin and cause of the fire is under
investigation.
Check our Facebook page, Pagosa Fire Protection District, for crew updates and pictures.
Submitted by: Pagosa Fire Protection District Public Information Division