Swiss Roll Fire Sends Smoke Over Colorado Wilderness As Flames Torch Beetle-Killed Forest

The Swiss Roll Fire is burning through beetle-killed timber in the Pagosa Ranger District, with footage showing smoke rising over the remote fire area.

The lightning-caused fire started on August 20 about 20 miles northeast of Pagosa Springs, east of U.S. 160. By September 13–14, it had reached 777 acres with 0% containment and about 61 personnel assigned.

Fire behavior has included backing, creeping and isolated torching. Rain in mid-September reduced activity but was not expected to extinguish the fire.

The fire is burning south of East Fork Road near Quartz Meadow. Quartz Meadow Road and Quartz Creek and Ridge trails have been closed. No structures have been reported threatened.