At a packed Aug. 12 public meeting, emergency managers, fire officials, meteorologists, and local law enforcement briefed Rico residents on the status of the Stoner Mesa Fire and the preparations underway to protect the community.
Brenda, a public information officer with the San Juan Incident Management Team, opened the meeting by stressing the importance of accurate information and encouraging residents to follow official channels, including QR code signups for daily fire updates and Everbridge emergency alerts.
Dolores County Emergency Manager Keith Keesling urged residents to ensure they’re registered for the new alert system, noting that Nixle notifications are no longer used. He emphasized the number of crews and resources in place to protect Rico if the fire shifts.
Operations Chief Brad Pietruszka explained that the fire’s growth has been driven by dry fuels and shifting winds over the past week, but said activity has slowed with recent weather changes. Crews have been pre-positioning hoses, pumps, and other equipment in town for potential structure protection. Work is also underway on Taylor and Stoner Mesas to establish control lines and limit southern spread.
Fire Behavior Analyst Brian Austin described how the steep, timber-filled drainages of Stoner and Spring Creeks produced the large smoke columns seen in recent days. While those areas burned intensely, he said much of the fire’s edge near Rico is encountering less flammable terrain and vegetation.
Incident meteorologists forecast a slight increase in moisture and a chance of thunderstorms through the weekend, which could help moderate fire activity.
Dolores County Sheriff Don Wilson and Montezuma County Sheriff Steve Nowlin outlined evacuation routes and coordination plans, assuring residents they would have time and direction if an evacuation becomes necessary.
U.S. Forest Service district ranger Nick Musto and Incident Commander Pat Seekins both praised the cooperation among agencies and the community. Seekins said the fire will likely remain on the landscape for some time, and that an incoming, larger incident management team will bolster response capacity. Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1 (RMCIMT1) officially assumed command of the Stoner Mesa Fire on August 13th.
Officials reiterated that while no evacuation orders are in place for Rico, residents should stay informed, prepare plans, and sign up for alerts.
