09/12/2026
The Swiss Roll Fire was mapped this morning at 369 acres, having primarily grown to the east from its origin. The fire grew steadily yesterday with high wind through dense dead standing forest toward Quartz Meadow. Wind is much lower today, and so far the fire has not made any additional runs. Fire behavior increased around 2:00 this afternoon with interior pockets of unburned vegetation burning out, which is increasing smoke production. The map image shows this morning perimeter. The fire is burning in a very remote area, with one private inholding to the north.
The fire has now progressed to a location that is more conducive for direct suppression in areas. As such, Elk Creek Wildland Fire Module will be working with a helicopter this afternoon to slow growth on the north and northeast sections of the fire as it moves down towards Quartz Creek. Options for additional engagement increase as fire moves into belts of aspen with less steep topography.
The Swiss Roll Fire started on August 20th from lightning, and firefighters have not directly engaged in direct suppression tactics due to its remote location in stands of dead, beetle-killed timber. Falling trees are the number one cause of wildland firefighter fatalities. Fire managers must weigh the threat to firefighters' lives against the fire's threat to values at risk (lives, property, and infrastructure). The Pagosa Ranger District is committed to its indirect suppression strategy on this fire, and intends to take suppression action if/when the fire meets predetermined points where crews could more safely engage, including Quartz Meadow.
Cooler weather is expected to move in Sunday evening, along with increased chances of rain showers in the coming week, which will likely slow the fire's spread and reduce the likelihood of future dramatic growth.
Archuleta County, CO Sheriff's Office
Archuleta County
Pagosa Weather
South Fork Fire Rescue
Visit Pagosa Springs
The Pagosa Springs SUN newspaper
