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Road Closure Around Doe Canyon Fire Lifted

Courtesy of Kathy Russell/San Juan National Forest
Smoldering stumps can stay hot long after smoke disappears.

The road closure around the Doe Canyon Fire was lifted Tuesday.

Lorena Williams, acting executive assistant with the U.S. Forest Service, said the closure ended ahead of schedule due to calmer fire conditions. 

"The fire activity is minimal and the fire personnel are no longer working along the roadways," Williams said. "So, traffic won't pose a hazard to our firefighters."

Smoke is expected to remain visible as the fire continues to burn logs and stumps within containment lines. Fire command was returned locally to the Dolores Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest on Saturday.

As of Tuesday, the wildfire is at 2,560 acres and 85 percent contained. Full containment is expected by July 15.

The Doe Canyon Fire started June 20 about 10 miles southeast of Dove Creek. Firefighters managed the lightning-caused wildfire to benefit forest health, including the burning of fuel like pine needles and fallen branches.