07/19/2025
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
BIA Fire Management – 970.563.4571
Summer Begay, PIO – 970.553.0052
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 16, 2025 9:45 PM
Ute 63 Fire Update
Southern Ute Indian Reservation – As of 9:45 PM, the Ute 63 Fire has expanded to approximately 536 acres, driven by strong winds. The Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Bureau of Indian Affairs crews remain in place along with Durango Interagency Type 3 Team (IMT3). Assisting agencies include Los Pinos Fire, Fort Lewis Mesa Fire, Durango Fire, Upper Pine Fire, San Juan County NM Fire, US Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management.
As part of ongoing wildfire suppression efforts, aerial resources have been deployed to support ground crews. This evening, a substantial number of slurry drops have been conducted using air tankers. These drops involve the release of fire retardant—a mixture of water, fertilizer, and other compounds—designed to slow the fire’s spread and create containment lines, particularly in areas that are difficult to access on foot.
Firefighters continue to address emerging hotspots and expand containment efforts across newly affected zones. The public is strongly urged to avoid the fire area. Unnecessary traffic can hinder emergency response operations and pose safety risks. Please allow firefighting personnel and equipment full access to the scene.
We extend gratitude to all firefighting and law enforcement personnel for their tireless efforts, bravery, and sacrifice. Their dedication under challenging and often dangerous conditions is a testament to their commitment to public safety and community resilience.
Smoke will be visible to the local communities. For information related to air quality, please visit: https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/justice-and-regulatory/epd/air-quality/ambient-monitoring/.
To report fires contact:
DURANGO ZONE DISPATCH (970) 385-1324
SOUTHERN UTE POLICE DISPATCH (970) 563-4401
- Summer Begay, Communication Specialist
