The Rio Blanco Fire that began south of Pagosa Springs last week had reached 1,246 acres by Tuesday afternoon as several communities remained on evacuation watch, and firefighting personnel rose to 374.
Firefighters have fought against the weather the past several days as low moisture levels, high temperatures and afternoon winds create conditions favorable for rapid spread, said Schelly Olson, a fire information officer with San Juan Team Eight.
“It’s challenging,” Olson said. “We have some very specialized type one interagency hotshot crews working (on) those challenging terrain and challenging weather conditions.”
Containment was at 12% Tuesday.
The good news, Olson said, is that no structures have been lost.
Tuesday’s containment plan included a switch in crews as the Upper Colorado River crew, Alpine Hotshots and another 20-person hand crew arrived to take over from crews who had spent the past several days on the ground, according to a Tuesday fire information update from the San Juan National Forest Service office.
Crews will work to extend the line to prepare for the possibility of eastward fire growth, and Olson said about eight aircraft are expected to be on scene throughout the day helping with containment efforts.
The lightning-caused fire started the afternoon of July 28, about 12 miles south of Pagosa. It exhibited extreme behavior and spread rapidly, growing to 440 acres in a little over 24 hours, according to the initial updates released the day following the ignition.
On Monday, Colorado Parks and Wildlife temporarily closed boating access at Echo Canyon Reservoir to allow aircraft to scoop water for containment efforts. The San Juan National Forest has implemented multiple road closures, including Valle Seco Road (NFSR 653).
Evacuation orders for homes on County Road 335 Lower Blanco and pre-evacuation for County roads 337, 339 and the Pinion Hills area along County Road 500 remain in place.
A community meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 4, at the Archuleta County Extension Office in Pagosa Springs.
The Archuleta County sheriff and members from the Rio Blanco Fire Incident Management team will provide updates and answer questions.
People are welcome to attend virtually, and the meeting will be streamed on Facebook via the San Juan National Forest page.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
