Blackridge Fire update: Crews focus on southwest border

10:10 a.m., July 14: The Blackridge Fire off of County Road 213 south of High Flume Canyon is 20 percent contained this morning, with crews from Bureau of Indian Affairs Southern Ute Agency Fire Management, Durango Fire, and Los Pinos Fire on scene: hand crews, dozer and air support as well as a 5,000-gallon county water tank staged nearby. No structures are currently threatened, and oil & gas resources are protected.

Crews will focus on the southern and southwestern border of the fire this morning. There are 50 personnel on scene, with an additional crew of 20 arriving this morning. 
UPDATE: 8:15 p.m., July 13: Fire crews have applied retardant around the majority of the Blackridge Fire, which began at 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 13 in southern La Plata County off of County Road 213 south of High Flume Canyon. The fire grew to approximately 50 acres by 5:05 p.m. By 7:35 p.m., Richard Gustafson, Bureau of Indian Affairs Southern Ute Agency Fire Management Officer was confident that residents are safe to remain in their homes. The area, which encompasses 304 structures, will remain on pre-evacuation notice until further notice.

The fire is laying down as relative humidity is increasing in the area. Air crews dropped retardant around 80 percent of the perimeter of the fire and the fire has burned into the 2005 Black Ridge fire burn scar. Crews will remain on scene throughout the night.

One Type 1 and one Type 3 Helicopters and one Heavy Air Tanker will be on scene tomorrow.  Dozers and hand crews will also be on scene tomorrow.