DOLORES, Colo. — A fast-moving brush fire forced the temporary closure of Highway 145 near Dolores on Saturday afternoon, sending thick smoke across the Dolores River valley and reminding residents that wildfire season has already arrived in southwest Colorado.
Firefighters from Dolores Fire Protection District and Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office contained the blaze within hours. The highway reopened by early evening with no injuries reported and no structures threatened.
The fire started just after 2 p.m. Saturday along the east side of Highway 145, roughly three miles north of Dolores. Witnesses reported seeing flames jump from dry grass to pinyon-juniper trees, creating heavy smoke visible from Cortez and Mancos.
Quick Action Prevented Worse Outcome
Dolores Fire Chief Todd Jones said crews arrived within eight minutes of the first 911 call. “We had engines on scene fast, and the wind luckily stayed light,” Jones told reporters Sunday morning. Two engines, a water tender, and 14 firefighters knocked down the main flames in under an hour.
The fire burned less than half an acre total, according to initial mapping by the Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office. Highway 145 was closed in both directions for about two hours while crews mopped up hot spots along the roadside.
Dragging Chain Likely Sparked the Blaze
Investigators believe the fire started when a chain dragging from a trailer struck the pavement and threw sparks into dry grass. “It’s the number one cause of roadside fires in our area,” said Montezuma County Undersheriff Lance Bean.
Saturday’s incident marks at least the third dragging-chain fire along Highway 145 in the past two years. In 2023, a similar spark started the 145 Fire that burned 120 acres near Stoner.
Drivers Urged to Check Trailers Before Every Trip
Officials used the weekend incident to repeat their annual warning as Memorial Day travel ramps up.
“Take thirty seconds in the driveway and make sure nothing is dragging,” Chief Jones said. “One loose chain can ruin thousands of people’s summer.”
Simple checks that prevent most roadside fires:
- Lift and secure safety chains so they cannot touch the ground
- Check trailer wiring and brake connections
- Remove any debris caught underneath vehicles
- Avoid parking in tall dry grass when hot exhaust systems can ignite fuel
Wildfire Danger Already High Across Region
The brush fire comes as the entire Four Corners region sits in moderate to high fire danger. Zero percent containment on the 8,000-acre Badger Creek Fire northeast of Pagosa Springs continues to stretch resources thin.
San Juan National Forest officials implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions on May 15, banning campfires outside developed campgrounds and restricting smoking to enclosed vehicles.
Saturday’s quick containment near Dolores shows what early reporting and rapid response can achieve. Residents spotted the smoke immediately and called 911 while the fire was still small, exactly what fire officials ask the public to do.
Highway 145 is fully open with no damage to the road surface. Crews will patrol the area through Monday to watch for any re-ignition.
Anyone traveling through southwest Colorado this Memorial Day weekend should remain vigilant, keep vehicle maintenance current, and report smoke immediately. One small spark can change everything in seconds, but one quick phone call can save an entire summer.
What do you think, is it time Colorado required mandatory chain safety inspections at registration? Drop your thoughts below and tag #PreventWildfires if you share this story.
