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Swiss Roll Fire

The Swiss Roll Fire was started by lightning on the Pagosa Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest, approximately 20 miles northeast of Pagosa Springs, CO. It is east of U.S. Highway 160, south of East Fork Road (CR 667) near Quartz Meadow. It was first discovered on August 20th and firefighters have not engaged in direct suppression tactics due to its remote location in stands of dead, beetle-killed timber. Falling trees are the number one cause of wildland firefighter fatalities and fire managers must weigh the threat of firefighters' lives against the fire's threat to values at risk (lives, property, and infrastructure). The Pagosa Ranger District is committed to its indirect suppression strategy on this fire and is taking suppression actions at predetermined points where crews can safely engage, including in Quartz Meadow. As of mid-September, significant moisture has occurred over the Swiss Roll Fire, and this has moderated fire activity significantly, however, there are still multiple areas of smoldering heat from heavy dead and down. Firefighters remain present monitoring the fire and performing preparation actions. The closure order has been lifted for the Swiss Roll Fire area. No closures are in effect.