News

Controlled Burn Near Norwood Spreads to Nearly Two Acres

NORWOOD, Colo. — A controlled burn on private property west of Norwood off Greagor Lane grew to nearly two acres on the afternoon of March 11 after becoming uncontrolled, according to the Norwood Fire Protection District.

Fire Chief John Bockrath said the fire ignited tall grass in a subdivision, threatening neighboring residences. Firefighters arrived within 11 minutes of the call, containing the fire after approximately three hours.

“When we got there, it had spread to just under two acres,” Bockrath said. “One building was involved, a small storage shed, and then a wood shed. The fence posts were burning at that time. It’s in an area with a lot of tall grass, and it was spreading quickly to nearby homes.”

The fire started after the landowner left the site of their controlled burn to go to town. High winds reignited embers under a tree, sparking flames that spread through unburned grass.

“It spread very quickly,” Bockrath said. “The wind was blowing embers all over the place.”

Fire warnings were lifted by 5:45 p.m., with the San Miguel Sheriff’s Office assisting.

This marks the second wind-driven wildfire in the area this year. Two weeks ago, a controlled burn in Norwood spread to four yards and two structures before being contained. In another incident, a controlled burn scorched half an acre, though no structures were involved.

Bockrath warned that fuel moisture levels in the Norwood area are lower than during the 2002 Burn Canyon fire, and the region’s low snowpack is creating early wildfire conditions.

“There isn’t a ban on fires, but people need to be very cautious with controlled burns,” Bockrath said. “If you’re nervous about it, contact the fire department, and we’ll be happy to stand by with an engine. Always have a water source available, even for a small bonfire.”

The Norwood Fire Protection District serves over 700 square miles of western San Miguel County, including Wrights Mesa and the Town of Norwood. Its wildland fire crew has grown to 11 members, including five local high school students who recently completed wildfire training.

“We’ve got multiple engines and mutual aid agreements with Telluride and Nucla/Naturita,” Bockrath said. “Everybody is going to help everybody this summer—neighbors helping neighbors.”

While winter weather is forecast this weekend, Bockrath noted that high winds and sunny conditions on the mesas can rapidly lead to wildfires.