The Doe Canyon Fire has grown to 2,390 acres, according to an update Wednesday from the San Juan National Forest. Firefighters have used the wildfire as a chance to burn excess fuel and improve forest health.
A statement from the National Forest says crews are managing the wildfire to burn off surface-level fuels, such as pine needles and oak brush. Fire lines have been placed to protect nearby timber sale areas, grazing allotments and Dolores River recreation.
The wildfire was spotted on June 20, two days after it was started by a lightning strike 10 miles southeast of Dove Creek. Since then, the Doe Canyon Fire has grown slowly due to the high moisture in its fuel.
As of Wednesday, the fire is 75% contained. Full containment is expected around July 15.
The Dolores Ranger District has updated its closure to stay in effect until July 12. A map is available below.
The closure is bounded by Forest Service Road 504 and its intersections with FSR 506, and to the north by the Lake Canyon watershed and to the south by the Narraguinnep Canyon watershed. The prohibited area includes FSRs 506, 506A, 506B, 506C, 506E, 506G, 506M, 506K1, 504F, 504F1 and 215.
504 and 514 are open to the public. Travelers should expect smoke to reduce visibility and for delays from firefighters and equipment working along the road.
Additional information on the Doe Canyon Fire can be found on its InciWeb page.
