FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: BIA Fire Management – 970.563.4571 Summer Begay, PIO – 970.553.0052 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 28, 2025 Rim Road Fire Update Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Fire crews continue to make steady progress on the Rim Road Fire, which remains at 114 acres with no new growth reported since yesterday. The fire is burning primarily in timber and brush, and crews are working diligently to strengthen containment lines using heavy equipment despite challenging terrain. As of 1:00 PM today, evacuation notices have been lifted for area residents. There are 106 personnel actively assigned to the incident. Containment is estimated to be at 25%. Incident commanders are closely monitoring weather conditions, especially the potential for late afternoon winds, which could challenge containment efforts. Fire behavior has remained moderate, but crews remain vigilant and prepared to respond to any changes. The safety of the community and fire personnel remains the top priority as suppression efforts continue. Smoke may be visible to the local communities. For information related to air quality, please go to: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health or https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/…/ambient-monitoring/. To report fires contact: DURANGO ZONE DISPATCH (970) 385-1324 SOUTHERN UTE POLICE DISPATCH (970) 563-4401 ###
The Southern Ute Education Center is offering high school tutoring to Southern Ute Tribal members, 1st descendants, and JOM students Monday-Thursday, 4-5:45pm and by appointment on Friday. Snacks provided! Also please feel free to reach out to ShaRay Rock, High School Teacher/Tutor, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Education Department, 970.563.2794 or srrock@southernute-nsn.gov if you have any questions or concerns.
Southern Ute Tribal members, first descendants, and JOM eligible students are invited to attend the Open House Event on October 9, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Dinner will be provided. Please call (970) 563-0237 for more information.
Please join Shining Mountain Health and Wellness on October 10th at 12pm for our October Breastfeeding and Parenting Support Class. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we will be discussing the topic of breastfeeding and breast cancer. Did you know breastfeeding lowers your risk of developing breast cancer? Come find out more information with a supportive group of community members and share a healthy meal. See you there!
In observance of Indigenous Peoples Day, the Permanent Fund, Growth Fund, and SUSS offices will be closed on Monday, October 14, 2024. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
In celebration of Indigenous People's Day, the Southern Ute Health Center and Tribal Health Department will be closed. All phone calls received by the Health Center (970) 563-4581, will be answered by the triage line. Normal business hours will resume on October15, 2024, at 8:00 a.m.