RED FLAG warning has been issued for today and for tomorrow. Drier air moved into the area last night and warm, dry and windy conditions are predicted through Saturday. Yesterday cloud cover over the fires moderated fire activity, limiting total growth to about 800 acres, for a total of to 4070 acres in the complex. Without the cloud cover today we can expect increased fire activity, intensity and growth.
Stage 1 fire restrictions go in to effect today for more information on the restrictions go the San Juan Forest website at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5424718.pdf
Today the NIMO team has assumed management of the fire. IC Curtis Heaton thanked the Durango Interagency Zone Type 3 Team for the great work they did on managing the fires.
West Fork Fire: Most of the growth on the West Fork Fire yesterday was to the east of the West Fork River within the Weminuche Wilderness. There were also some short runs north up to the 11,000 foot level. On the southwest corner of the fire moderate weather allowed firefighters to build direct fireline around some spots and tie them into a rocky ridge, enhancing protection for the Borns Lake properties.
Windy Pass Fire: There has been minimal growth on the Windy Pass Fire over the last few days. The fire has remained in a deep bowl that has, up to this point, sheltered it from the wind. The fuel in the bowl is large standing dead spruce with a high potential, especially given today’s weather, for spotting beyond the existing fire perimeter. Firefighters continued to scout and identify areas suitable for effective fireline construction. In some of the identified areas, crews have begun line construction. Firefighters continue to work with Wolf Creek Ski area on structure protection and mitigation efforts for the ski area.
Closures remain the same:
Roads: West Fork Road (NFSR 648) beyond West Fork Campground, Falls Creek Road (NFSR 039) and Wolf Creek Road (NSFR 725) (and all spur roads) on the south side of Highway 160.
Trails:
- West Fork Trail, also known as Rainbow Hot Springs Trail #561
- Treasure Mountain Trail #565
- Windy Pass Trail #566
- Continental Divide Trail (#831) from its junction with the Middle Fork Trail (#589) east and south to its junction with the East Fork Road (NFSR 667) at Elwood Pass on the Rio Grande National Forest
- Lobo Overlook (at the top of Wolf Creek Pass)
Maps and photos will be posted on the Archuleta County Emergency information site at: www.acemergency.org and at www.inciweb.org as they become available.