The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Colorado to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning March 25.

The declaration covers the Colorado counties of Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma and San Juan as well as the Arizona county of Apache, the New Mexico county of San Juan and the Utah county of San Juan.

Fire Managers made the decision early this morning to immediately suppress and contain the Horse Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire located 11 miles east of Clints Well on the Mogollon Rim Ranger District.

Fire Managers on the Verde Ranger District plan to conduct a prescribed fire operation in the Agua Fria area this week. The project is located between Dugas Road and HWY 169 on the east side of I-17. Ignitions are planned to start Tuesday, June 17 and last just one day, pending suitable conditions. Fire crews plan to treat a large surface area with broadcast burning to improve wildlife habitat and range improvements by reducing brush encroachment in the Aqua Fria grasslands.

The 9,145-acre Basin Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire located 20 miles northwest of Flagstaff, is 54% contained following several days of firing operations and securing. 

Firefighters plan to begin ignitions tomorrow on the Horse Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire located 11 miles east of Clints Well on the Mogollon Rim Ranger District.

Crews plan to actively manage roughly 2,800 acres of forest land using the fire, which started June 9.