The West Fork Complex consists of two wildfires, West Fork and Windy Pass, that are burning on the west side of Wolf Creek Pass in southwest Colorado. Both fires are burning in steep, rugged terrain with large amounts of beetle-killed spruce which makes it difficult and unsafe for firefighters to mount a direct attack. The fires were combined into a complex on Sunday, June 16.

West Fork: Started by lightning on June 5, this fire is burning on the north side of Highway 160 primarily within the Weminuche Wilderness. It started about 1/2 mile up the West Fork Trail. Helicopters are being used to drop water on the south flank of the fire in an effort to keep the fire from spreading any further south where it would affect private property. Structure protection is in place for cabins at Borns Lake. The fire has moved mostly north up the West Fork drainage and to the NE up the Beaver Creek drainage. June 19 acreage = 3,879.

Windy Pass: Started by lightning on June13. It is south of Wolf Creek Ski Area and east of Treasure Falls. The fire is sitting in a deep bowl of large, standing dead spruce. Firefighters are currently scouting the surrounding area looking for places to build indirect line to contain the fire once it moves out of the bowl. June 19 acreage = 191.

 

Basic Information

Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin Wednesday June 05th, 2013 approx. 12:30 PM
Location 14.5 mi NE of Pagosa Springs
Incident Commander Curtis Heaton

Current Situation

Total Personnel 292
Size 8,375 acres
Fuels Involved Timber with heavy dead standing bug kill
Fire Behavior Extreme fire behavior; 100 ft flame lengths; spotting up to 3/4 mile. Red Flag Warning Thurs-Sat.
Significant Events The strategy is indirect attack and point protection tactics focusing on efforts where probability of success is highest while not compromising firefighter safety.

Outlook

Growth Potential High
Terrain Difficulty Extreme
Remarks Phoenix NIMO assumed command on June 19.

Current Weather

Wind Conditions 15-25 G35 mph SW
Temperature 75 degrees
Humidity 12%

Source:  inciweb

Reblogged:  6/19/13 2010 PDT

 

2013 The NW Fire Blog