Colorado Gov. Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency Wednesday for Dolores and Montezuma counties as a result of the Ferris Fire, which has cost more than $13 million and scorched more than 60,000 acres.
At a public meeting Wednesday night, Dolores County Sheriff Don Wilson praised firefighters and road crews for their efforts. He urged residents to stay away from active firefighting areas and to pay attention to closed roads, as they are closed for safety.
“Our firefighters kicked the crap out of that fire last night (Monday) and pushed it back to where it made a lot of places safer than what it was at 12 o’clock last night,” Wilson said.
Incident Meteorologist Rick Hluchan said gusty winds from distant thunderstorms – some created by the Babylon Fire west of Monticello – have impacted the Ferris Fire. A chance of rain arrives next week, he said.
“We’re of course going to see lightening, we’re going to see gusty winds, but we’re also going to see rain – something we didn’t see the last couple of days,” Hluchan said. “So, there is hope out there.”
Operations Section Chief Tom Himmelrich confirmed the Bradfield Bridge Campground had not burned as of Wednesday evening, though he warned the fire is nearby. Crews were backfiring – setting their own fires to remove vegetation – along National Forest Service Road 521 and other areas, he said.
Fire officials evacuated Zone 9 Monday night between County Road 15 and U.S. Highway 491, but the evacuation order was later lifted, allowing residents to return home.
Though those in Zone 9 can return home, they should remain vigilant, spokesman Joe Zwierzchowski told The Journal following the meeting.
Evacuation Zones 1, 2, 7, 8 and 10 remain in “GO” status.
Gus Westerman, director of Dolores County CSU Extension, said livestock and larger animals can be taken to the Montezuma County Fairgrounds for a short time until another place is found. Owners must still provide food, water and care for their animals, even while they are at the fairgrounds. Those with a camper or RV can utilize the RV parking at the campgrounds.
“You don't even need to call us, which is the best situation,” Westerman said. “But if you need help finding a place, or if you need a place to bring them, the Montezuma Fairgrounds is available.”
Westerman said residents needing to take animals to the fairgrounds can reach him at (970) 759-2231.
The fairgrounds can reportedly shelter animals only until July 20, prior to the upcoming county fair.
“This is the work that we do,” said California Team Seven Deputy Incident Cmdr. Stephen Fillmore. “We’re happy to do it. We’re here to fight this fire, put it out soon as we can, mitigate the damages that might occur as a result of this fire and get you guys back to normal life as soon as possible. That is our goal.”
Firefighters continued strengthening containment lines on Wednesday after battling extreme fire behavior on Tuesday near Bradfield Bridge Campground, Dolores Canyon and its side canyons.
Hotshot crews performed strategic firing while heavy equipment constructed additional lines to protect infrastructure and private property, according to a daily update from the Ferris Fire team. Helicopters, scoopers and large air tankers continued to provide water drops and retardant.
As of Thursday, the fire was 60,105 acres in size, was 19% contained and had 658 personnel assigned to the blaze burning 15 miles northwest of Dolores.
bduran@the-journal.com
