“Don’t be a Lookie-loo!” – that’s the message from the Colorado Department of Transportation.
CDOT sent out a message late Monday urging people to steer clear of the south closure point on U.S. Highway 550 near Hermosa.
“We understand the public is very curious about the fire,” CDOT Maintenance Supervisor Kent Baxstrom said in a prepared statement. “But when we have vehicles stopped on the side of the road and people getting out of their cars, it is creating a hazard for fire and emergency personnel and equipment moving about in this area. This area must be kept clear and open for emergency traffic.”
Stopping, parking and standing outside of vehicles along the highway is not permitted. The speed limit in the area has been reduced to 35 mph.
A pre-evacuation notice was issued for 127 homes along County Road 205. The pre-evacuation includes the east and west sides of County Road 205 from the intersection with County Road 204 to the south and the Falls Creek subdivision to the north.
A CodeRED notification was mistakenly sent to residents on County Road 203 east to the Animas River, between Trimble Lane and 32nd Street. La Plata County spokeswoman Megan Graham said a correction notice was sent to residents.
Firefighters once again held back the 416 Fire from homes in the Hermosa area. As of 10 a.m. Monday, the fire has grown to more than 22,130 acres.
Shawn Bawden, public information officer for the 416 Fire, said Monday morning that the fire started moving south toward Hermosa around 5 p.m. Sunday.
Within an hour, the fire had advanced a mile and was within a quarter mile of homes.
“It was pretty frightening to see the fire move that quickly,” Bawden said. “That’s when aircraft and tankers were called in.”
Included in the aerial fight was a DC-10 Air Tanker, known among fire fighters as a “VLAT” – Very Large Air Tanker – was brought in to drop fire retardant. Bawden said the DC-10 is one of the largest air tankers in the country.
On the ground, firefighters used direct attack strategies, which included burnouts that remove flammable vegetation between homes to create a buffer from the fire.
According to a news release Monday morning, fire officials will have an update on the acreage of the fire later today. As a result of Sunday night’s effort, no homes or structures were lost. The fire also has been held back from crossing to the east side of U.S. Highway 550.
“The take-home message is that firefighters are achieving their objectives right now,” he said. “They were able to keep the fire out of town.”
Bawden said weather conditions Monday are expected to be dry, hot and windy – almost identical to Sunday. That could result in extreme fire behavior.
The National Weather Service says the temperature Monday may be a high of 85 degrees, with winds between 5 to 10 mph. A similar forecast is expected for Tuesday and Wednesday. A chance of rain enters the region Friday through Sunday.
The U.S. Forest Service announced Sunday it intends to close the San Juan National Forest because of the fire danger. The closure is expected to take effect Tuesday.
The Forest Service said late Sunday that the Burro Fire, which started June 8, has grown to more than 1,000 acres. That fire is about 12 miles from the 416 Fire on the San Juan National Forest. It is zero percent contained.
A Type 1 Incident Management Team that took command of the 416 Fire over the weekend assumed management of the Burro Fire this morning.
The west side of the fire is expected to grow as it moves into areas with heavier fuels, according to a Monday morning update.
Here is the latest model smoke forecast for the #416Fire and #BurroFire plumes. The cycle of dense smoke in the morning in Durango, along the US 550 and 160 corridors will continue. Afternoon winds will tend to push the smoke eastward. #COwx pic.twitter.com/EpA6AKuTP2
— NWS Grand Junction (@NWSGJT) June 11, 2018
On the south and west side of Hermosa Creek, the fire is continuing through the Hermosa Creek drainage. The fire has entered Buck Creek drainage.
South of the fire, crews have connected a line from Highway 550 northwest into the rock face above Hermosa.
The fire has been relatively quiet near Haviland Lake. Crews will improve a fire line around Purgatory Resort on Monday.
U.S. Highway 550 will be closed Monday from mile marker 32 to 64, which is from Cometti/Mead Lane to the top of Molas Pass.
This is a developing story. Check back at durangoherald.com for updates.
What you need to know
Evacuation and shelter centers
Escalante Middle School, 141 Baker Lane in Durango. Open 24 hours a day.
Silverton Town Hall, 1360 Greene St., in Silverton. Open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Those affected by evacuations must check in at an evacuation site to receive resident credentials. This is crucial for preparedness, identifying and securing resources for evacuees, and for return access when fire conditions become safe.
Community resources
La Plata County government hotline for residents evacuating: (970) 385-8700.
Livestock can be evacuated to La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave.
Four Corners Back Country Horsemen will assist with horse and livestock evacuations, call (570) 228-1340.
The Browning Ranch in Farmington volunteered to host horses during evacuations. Call Chris Maedche (505) 681-3595.
Small animals can be evacuated to La Plata County Humane Society, 111 South Camino del Rio.
Tips for pre-evacuation
For people who received a pre-evacuation notice, these steps can improve their safety and expedite departure should an evacuation become necessary.
Inside the house
Gather medications.
Pack a bag with clothing and essentials.
Shut off air conditioning and fans.
Shut all windows and doors before leaving.
If you have time, gather paperwork and photographs that cannot be replaced.
Outside the house
Gather flammable items and bring them inside (patio furniture, children’s toys, door mats, trash cans, etc.).
Move propane barbecue appliances away from structures.
Connect garden hoses to outside water valves or spigots for use by firefighters.
Fill water buckets and place them around the house.
Don’t leave sprinklers or water running; this can affect critical water pressure.
Leave exterior lights on so your home is visible to firefighters in the smoke or darkness of night.
Back your car into the driveway with vehicle loaded and all doors and windows closed. Carry your car keys with you.
Animals
Locate your pets and keep them nearby.
Prepare livestock for transport and plan to move them to a safe location early.
Pack food and medications for your pets.
Insurance
Take pictures of the interior of your house to remember and document personal possessions.
Determine what is sentimental and can’t be replaced.
Donations
Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado is accepting monetary donations for Community Emergency Relief Fund. This fund is set up for broad-based community emergencies in Southwest Colorado. The Advisory Committee is working with government agencies and local businesses to develop a strategy for distributing the funds raised. Efforts will support local people and efforts related to 416 Fire. To donate to CERF, residents can send a check to The Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1673, Durango, CO 81302 or donate online at www.swcommunityfoundation.org
Donations of clothing and household items accepted at Discover Goodwill of Durango, 1230 Escalante Drive.
Financial donations can be made to the Community Emergency Relief Fund by calling (970) 375-5807.
