Fire destroys cabin near Vega Reservoir

MCSO Photo

MESA COUNTY, Colo - An unattended campfire is the cause of a fire that destroyed one cabin and evacuated a neighborhood near Vega Reservoir Saturday afternoon.

The fire was reported at 3:23 p.m. at 67625 Vega Vista Drive. Everyone inside the cabin was able to get out safely. No one was hurt.

At 4:01 p.m. an emergency notification informed residents of 45 seasonal cabins and homes in the area to evacuate to Vega Lodge.  Residents were allowed to return home less than an hour later.

MCSO Photo

The Plateau Valley Fire Department credits nearby residents and vacationers for helping stop the rapid spread of the fire. Instead of running from the fire many people ran towards it with buckets of water, until fire crews arrived.

The Plateau Valley Fire Department, De Beque Fire, Vega State Park, Mesa County Sheriff's Office, and Collbran Marshal all responded.

The fire was contained to one property. A cabin, outbuilding, half acre of land and a power line were burned.

Remember campfires are not truly out unless the embers are cold to the touch. Seriously, put your hand on the embers!!! Campfires may look out, but even a small amount of heat can reignite and cause a destructive fire.