Firefighters from Wellington Participate in Wide-Scale Operation Against Stoner Mesa Blaze
Wellington Fire Crew Deployed to Battle Stoner Mesa Fire
A team of three firefighters from the Wellington Fire Protection District has been deployed to help battle the Stoner Mesa Fire in southwestern Colorado, joining forces with firefighting teams from across Colorado and the western United States.
The Stoner Mesa Fire, located in Dolores County near Dolores and Rico, has grown to nearly 10,000 acres and is currently about 27% contained as of August 21, 2025. Firefighters are battling difficult conditions, with hot, dry weather fueling flare-ups, particularly on the western edge of the fire near the Stoner Mesa Trail.
Despite the absence of the Wellington crew, the Wellington Fire Department assures the community that local coverage remains fully staffed. For official updates on the Stoner Mesa Fire and other wildfire activity, residents can refer to the InciWeb Incident Information System.
The deployment is part of a statewide and national mutual aid network for large-scale wildfires, with personnel and equipment costs for the deployment being reimbursed through the incident's funding. The Wellington team will work for 14 days on the Stoner Mesa Fire.
This deployment offers valuable training and experience for local crews, strengthening Wellington's readiness for fire season. Additionally, residents can stay updated on wildfire activity and public safety in Northern Colorado by following the Watch Duty app.
As of now, Level Two "Set" evacuation warnings ("Set" status) remain in effect for certain roads and campgrounds near the fire, with a broader "Ready" status along the Highway 145 corridor. Fire managers warn that dry thunderstorms and gusty winds could complicate containment efforts through the weekend.
For the latest updates and evacuation information, residents should monitor emergency alerts issued by the Dolores and Montezuma County emergency management offices. Official fire status, closures, and maps can be found on the San Juan National Forest website and related official forest service alerts.
[1] Source: Dolores County Sheriff's Office, San Juan National Forest, InciWeb Incident Information System.
- Although the Wellington Fire crew is temporarily deployed to fight the Stoner Mesa Fire in southwestern Colorado, the Wellington community can stay informed about local public safety and wildfire activity through the Watch Duty app.
- The Stoner Mesa Fire, located in Dolores County, is a significant environmental-science concern, with firefighters from various communities, including Wellington, battling difficult weather conditions to contain it.
- As part of a statewide and national mutual aid network, Wellington's team of three firefighters will contribute their expertise in environmental-science and public safety to the 14-day battle against the Stoner Mesa Fire, gaining valuable training and experience for future fire seasons.
- Residents of Northern Colorado can find official updates on the Stoner Mesa Fire and other wildfire activities on the InciWeb Incident Information System, as well as being aware of potential evacuation notices issued by the Dolores and Montezuma County emergency management offices.
