FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:BIA Fire Management – 970.563.4571Summer Begay, PIO – 970.553.0052FOR 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 […]