A Level 2 evacuation status was ordered for County Road 38 Wednesday early afternoon after flames from the Stoner Mesa were pushed further west.
A spot fire has been reported across the Stoner Mesa Trail on the west side of Stoner Creek. The Level 2 evacuation ordered by Dolores County stretches about 4 miles on County Road 38 from the Dolores County line to the West Dolores Campground.
The “Get Set” evacuation status, which means residents should begin preparing for evacuation, also includes Mavreeso Campground, Lower Stoner Trailhead and Road 40.1.
Three Levels of Evacuation
Level 1 - “Ready,” Be Prepared. (Have a go-kit of everything you’ll need to bring, such as medications, important documents, food and water. Stay updated with alerts, reduce the flammability of your home and plan ahead).
Level 2 - “Set,” Be Ready to Leave. (A wildfire is close by, so conditions could change rapidly. Follow alerts, have your go-kit in the vehicle and review a planned evacuation route).
Level 3 - “Go,” Means Leave Immediately. (Take everything you need. Closely follow instructions from fire and emergency officials).
Source: https://dolocnty.colorado.gov/stoner-fire-information
Aircrafts are dropping retardant in the area to aid the firefight of crews active at the scene, according to an update from Watch Duty. More resources are moving toward the area as well.
With drier and hotter weather conditions, the Stoner Mesa Fire continues at just over 9,400 acres and 10% containment on some of the fire’s eastern edge, according to a news release from Wednesday morning.
Earlier today, officials reported more activity on the fire’s western edge, attributing growth to recent weather conditions in a Facebook post on Tuesday evening. Helicopters were reportedly used yesterday as well to keep the fire in that area tamed.
As more active traffic from fire personnel-manned vehicles is reported on County Road 38 and Colorado Highway 145, officials advise caution.
Additionally, structure protection groups work to reduce the risk of fire around properties in Dunton and Stoner.
Two divisions north of the fire along County Road 38 formerly under separate blocks of oversight will now be combined into one. Heavy downed trees posing risks to firefighters have been reported in the area, requiring the use of saws. Firefighters continued to work on lines and mop up in the area.
Aerial observations and water bucket drops stay on the horizon as firefighters monitor fire activity along the northern perimeter of Stoner Creek, where the fire poses a risk to County Road 38 and the structures present there.
On the fire’s eastern perimeter, containment has been reported along Road 545 moving east to Road 692. Controlled burns have also aided in securing containment in this area. Other spot fires in the area have also been contained but more work continues to keep any spread restricted.
Fire has remained active on the western edge, in Stoner Canyon, even with indirect lines present. Smoldering and creeping fire behavior is expected in aspen stands present in the area. Dozerline along the Stoner Mesa Trail holds the fire back, with more lines planned. Aerial supported flame retardant and water drops were used in the area yesterday.
South of the fire, indirect containment lines are underway along Road 201. One spot fire was reported yesterday near the Road 210, also used as a containment line. Firefighters continue to monitor the area and plan for more containment lines.
While dry, hot weather is expected for today and tomorrow, moisture levels should increase gradually, with some chances of dry thunderstorms for today and on Thursday. Some 35-40 mph winds and lightning strikes may be ahead.
For today and tomorrow, wind direction for smoke is expected to create overall good to some moderate air quality index levels in Cortez and conversely, overall moderate to some good AQI levels in Dolores.
