Durango-area fires still threaten homes

DURANGO, Colo. (KRQE) - Residents of a Colorado subdivision northeast of Durango remain on alert as a wildfire continues to burn near their homes.

A warning for possible evacuations remains in effect for occupants of 18 homes in Lake Vista Estates on the west side of Vallecito Reservoir.

The Vallecito Fire, believed started by lightning a week ago but not reported until Tuesday, is within a mile of those homes. Infrared mapping overnight pegged its size at 201 acres, Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch reported Friday.

The fire is about 5 percent contained.

On Friday ground crews were working on fire lines backed by two heavy air tankers and two helicopters.

Some firefighters also deploy north of the fire scouting for a location to build lines should the fire move that way.

Also on Friday the 20-person attack crew from Zuni Pueblo was shifted to the Little East Fire burning near Mancos west of Durango. Air tankers also are assisting with that battle.

The Associated Press reported about 35-40 homes in the area of that fire are under pre-evacuation orders.