FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
BIA Fire Management – 970.563.4571
Summer Begay, PIO – 970.553.0052
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 16, 2025
Ute 63 Fire
Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The lightning-caused Ute 63 Fire was discovered on the afternoon of July 13, 2025 near Morgan Canyon on the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation. Despite a quick response from Ute Mountain Ute BIA Agency and Southern Ute BIA Agency firefighters, the fire continued to grow through the night of the 13th.
On July 14, 2025 the Durango Interagency Type 3 Team (IMT3) was ordered to provide oversight and additional resources to the Ute 63 Fire. The Durango Interagency IMT3 is utilizing airtankers, helicopters, 1 dozer, and approximately 96 firefighters to suppress the Ute 63 Fire. Assisting agencies include Los Pinos Fire, Fort Lewis Mesa Fire, Durango Fire, Upper Pine Fire, San Juan County NM Fire, US Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management.
As of 11:30 a.m. on July 16, 2025, the Ute 63 Fire has been mapped at approximately 108 acres and is 25% contained. The Durango Interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team anticipates increased containment in the coming days, aided by incoming firefighting resources and a slight drop in temperatures through Friday.
By 4:00 p.m. on July 16, 2025, the fire had moved onto the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. At this time, nearby homes or structures have the potential to be threatened. Pre-evacuation notices will be issued if and when necessary. Southern Ute Public Safety resources have been mobilized to conduct in-person welfare checks of Tribal Membership in the area and resource assessments. Southern Ute is coordinating with the Incident Command to support their efforts. Further updates will be shared as they become available.
Smoke may be visible to the local communities. For information related to air quality, please visit: https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/justice-and-regulatory/epd/air-quality/ambient-monitoring/.
To report fires contact:
DURANGO ZONE DISPATCH (970) 385-1324
SOUTHERN UTE POLICE DISPATCH (970) 563-4401
