DURANGO, Colo. – A wildfire named the 416 Fire started at 1000 hours MDT on Friday, June 1, 2018, from an unknown cause.  It is still being investigated.

CURRENT STATUS

Fire Status:

• 2,255 acres
• 10% containment status
• Moderate with possible adverse weather moving in possibly producing rain, drying lightning and gusty winds

Roadways:

• US Hwy 550 has been reopened but with limitations to through traffic only from 1030 hours to 1800 hours.  Law Enforcement (La Plata Co SO, Colorado State Patrol, CO DOT and Durango PD) will escort vehicles through the closed area from mile markers 35.5 to 43.5.
• If fire activity increases, Hwy 550 could close again
• Fire vehicles in the area, use caution when driving on roadways
• Fire has NOT crossed over Highway 550

LOCATION

The fire is located on the west side of Highway 550, about 10 miles north of Durango.  It is burning in the San Juan National Forest in La Plata County, Colorado.

RESOURCES

The IC is the Rocky Mountain Type 2 Blue Team which assumed command on 0600 on June 3, 2018.  This is a Type 3 organization.

INCIDENT COOPERATORS

San Juan National Forest, La Plata County Government, USFS, BLM, Durango Fire Protection District and Upper Pine Fire Protection District.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS

• La Plata County – Emergency Alerts including evacuation and pre-evacuation orders on your cell phone or email.  bit.ly/CodeRed_signup
• Hwy 550 Drivers – Don’t stop on highway as fire suppression efforts are being conducted.

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

Drones in Fire Zones

• Drones were seen flying in the fire area, which were said to being flown by non-fire personnel which in turn forced fire suppression air assets to be grounded.

• This always  puts the lives of all whom are using fire suppression efforts in danger.  Remember that infamous saying, ” #NoDronesInFireZones” or ” #IfYouFlyWeCant” or ” #KnowBeforeYouFly”.  It is simple as 1-2-3.

Declaration(s):

• State-of-Local disaster declared by La Plata County Manager, Joanne Spina due to (fire) and exceptional drought conditions at 1753 hours MDT.  Declaration recommended to La Plata County Board of County Commissioners that this commence for a period of excess of seven days.

EVACUATIONS

Mandatory evacuations:

•  Iron Gate subdivision in the 36000 block of 550 North.
• Rockwood south to Baker’s Bridge west of the Animas River on the east side of US Hwy 550 because of shifting winds.
• Glacier Club/Tamarron area
• North to Electra Lake Road
• Chris Park and Haviland Lake areas, including campers at Haviland Lake campground
• Electra Lake to Baker’s Bridge
• Purgatory Ski area

SHELTER(S)

People:

• Escalante Middle School – 141 Baker Lane, Durango. Register at school or Silverton Visitor Center to check in, get your resident credentials.
• Silverton Middle School. Silverton.  RED CROSS Shelter.

Livestock:

• La Plata County Fairgrounds – 2500 Main Avenue, Durango. Emergency Center 970-385-3700 can help with coordination.

Small Animals:

• La Plata County Humane Society – 1111 South Camino del Rio, Durango. 970-259-2847.

DONATIONS – OFFERS OF ASSISTANCE

4 Corners Back Country Horsemen:

• “We are ready to help with any horse or livestock evacuations. Trailers and pasture available throughout the county. Contact:  570-228-1340.”

Per County Officials:

• No donations are needed says the La Plata County Officials but they recommend to call the Fire Hotline at 970-385-8700 and leave your name on a list should items be needed.

Clothing/Household Donations:

• The Discover Goodwill of Durango – 1230 Escalante Drive, Durango.  They are accepting clothing and household donations. Financial donations can be made by calling the Community Foundation serving SW Colorado.  970-259-2847.

SOURCES

We only use verified sources such as Official FIRE, EMS and Emergency Management/County Agencies.  Additionally, we also may use information out on Social Media as to eyewitness accounts and report what they are saying.

We will  thoroughly research our articles and glean information from various sources prior to posting.  Sometimes, our sources may have inaccurate information.  We attempt to post information to the best of ours and our sources’ abilities.

We appreciate you reading and following our post.  We ask that you think of those who are responding to this large wildfire incident and the residents who are having to go through mandatory evacuations, as well as some being displaced altogether. – Ed.

(c) 2018 NW Fire Blog – Updated 6/3/2018 @ 1130 hours PDT