Ignacio School students assisted La Plata County Office of Emergency Management fill sandbags at the Ignacio High School overflow parking lot. "It's a community effort, sand and sandbags donated by Durango Road and Bridge, shovels donated by Los Pinos Fire Department and Ignacio High School donated the use of school grounds to fill the sandbags." said organizer Gina Schulz. Schulz spearheaded the effort to gather supplies, and recruit volunteers to assist with filling the sandbags for the community members who may need them.
About 15 Ignacio School students assisted La Plata County Office of Emergency Management fill sandbags at the Ignacio High School overflow parking lot, Tuesday, Sept. 15.
Volunteers assisted Rob Farino, Director of Emergency Management and Matthew Richardson, Emergency Management Coordinator to fill over 600 sandbags, which were given free of charge to residents of Allison, Arboles and Ignacio. “We all came together to get it done which is really great that we were able to mobilize the delivery of resources so quickly,” said organizer Gina Schulz.
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Robert L. Ortiz | The Southern Ute Drum
Sandbags available as forecast calls for heavy rains
Tuesday - September 22, 2026 by La Plata County
The National Weather Service is predicting heavy rains in the region over the next several days, including issuing a flood watch for La Plata County. La Plata County has sandbags available at no charge for county residents to assist property owners in protecting their property from potential flood damage.
The sandbags are available at three locations and are provided on a self-serve fill basis; shovels may be provided but residents are advised to bring their own in case none are available. Sand and bags are available 24 hours a day at:
- La Plata County Fairgrounds (north lot near the rodeo arena), 2500 Main Ave., Durango
- Upper Pine Fire Protection District Station 1, 75 South Clover Dr., Bayfield
- Ignacio High School, 315 Ignacio St., Ignacio
Rainfall could cause mudslides and loosen other large objects and debris throughout the region and drivers should be aware of these potential road hazards. To report road damage, please call 970-382-6413 or fill out a road repair request form on the La Plata County website at https://www.co.laplata.co.us/departments/road_and_bridge/repair_request_form.php.
For more information, email Emily Spencer at espencer@lpcgov.org
