For faster updates, check out
https://m.facebook.com/SpringFire2018/
Spring Fire Information:
Our public information line is 719-480-8719. This line can be used for non-fire operations questions. This would include evacuation questions, re-entry ID’s, and other community impacts.
If you are looking for information related to fire operations, which would include fire size, containment, personnel, resources, etc. contact Spring Fire Information at 719-695-9573.
Spring Fire Relief Fund
Spanish Peaks Community Foundation will be accepting donations for the residents in Huerfano County that have been impacted by the Spring Fire through the Spring Fire Relief Fund.
Donations may be made:
Online at springfireco.org
By check or cash deposit at the First National Bank of Trinidad in Trinidad, in Walsenburg at the Huerfano Branch, or in Raton.
By check mailed to SPCF, P.O. Box 1101, Walsenburg, CO 81089
Or with local businesses assisting with the relief effort, by cash, check or CC as they are able.
Please make checks payable to Spanish Peaks Community Foundation (SPCF) with memo Spring Fire Relief.
Spanish Peaks Community Foundation Inc is a 501c3 and your donation is tax deductible as a charitable contribution to the full extent permitted by law.
UPDATES (most recent at top):
7/5/18 9:00 am
FLASH FLOOD WARNING
Substantial rain fall is forecast over portions of the fire area. As water runs downhill through burned areas it can cause erosion and pick up large amounts of ash, sand, silt, rocks and burned vegetation. The force of the rushing water and debris can damage or destroy bridges, roadways, and buildings even miles from the burned area.
In the event of heavy rainfall, do not wait for a flash flood warning. Immediately take steps to protect life and property. Thunderstorms that develop over the burned area may begin to produce flash flooding before a warning can be issued. If you are in an area vulnerable to flooding and debris flows, plan in advance and move to higher ground. There may be very little time to react once the rain starts.
Community Meeting & Re-Entry ID Information.
North #SpringFire Information Meeting is scheduled in Walsenburg Tonight, Thursday, July 5, at 6 p.m. at the Huerfano County Community Center, 928 Russell Ave., Walsenburg, Colorado. The meeting will also be streamed live in the La Veta High School and on the Spring Fire Facebook page. The #Huerfano County Disaster Assistance Center continues to be open daily, 10:00am-4:00pm. at La Veta High School, 126 E Garland St in La Veta, Colorado
Rapid tag (Re-Entry Identification) Cards are available at the following locations, daily from 10:00am-4:00pm:
- The Huerfano County Disaster Assistance Center,
La Veta Junior-Senior High School,126 E Garland St. La Veta, Colorado - Evacuee Shelter at #HuerfanoCounty Community Center
928 Russel Street, Walsenburg, Colorado - The Upper Huerfano Fire Protection District
25396 CO HWY 69, Gardner, Colorado
7/4/19 3:00 pm
An additional location to receive a Rapid Re-Entry Identification Card (for #springfire evacuees) will be opened tomorrow at the Upper Huerfano Fire Protection District from 10a-4p @ 25396 CO HWY 69, Gardner, CO.
7/4/19 9:00 am
7/3/18 7:55 pm
7/3/18 3:00 pm
Eric Mullens
Firefighters continued to work the Spring Creek fire in Huerfano County Tuesday with fire activity in the area of CR 520.1 reported during the late morning into the afternoon. Huerfano Sheriff Bruce Newman said at one point the fire jumped Yellowstone Rd. (CR 530) and firefighters were attempting to use CR 520 as a fire break.Unofficially, by the 2 pm hour, the fire was estimated at 80,000. My mid afternoon Tuesday, some light sprinkles and winds were gusting in the La Veta area. Sheriff Newman said while there had been some attempts in the past couple of days to accomplish some property damage assessments; the areas where homes have been damaged or destroyed are too hot and dangerous to enter. Huerfano County officials are putting together an assessment team, but when they will be able to get into affected areas may still be days away. The La Veta airport is active as the week began with helicopters loading up with fire retardant to drop on still burning areas around Mt. Mestas and the Silver Mountains.
There will be an evacuee meeting tonight at the La Veta High School Gym at 6pm.
Your green rapid tag re-entry identification tag will be required to attend.
Hours will be extended from 4pm-6pm at the La Veta High School to get your green rapid tag re-entry identification if you do not yet have it.
This meeting will focus on evacuation related questions, including re-entry.
The community Fire Information meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, July 4th at 6pm at the La Veta High School Gym.
7/3/18 9:00 am:
The La Veta Town Marshall is requesting that residents and visitors avoid unnecessary travel within the town of La Veta. The streets are crowded with fire and law enforcement vehicles. Added civilian traffic on the streets makes it difficult for emergency responders to get where they need to go and can slow their response. Please do not stop in the street or block access.
#NorthSpringFire Update – July 3, 2018
Summary: The North Spring Fire, which is the portion of the Spring Fire north of Highway 160, was very active on the northeast side yesterday. Significant fire behavior was seen in the Silver Mountain area, and the fire continued to grow overnight. The Spring Fire expanded to 78,944 acres. Fire activity is expected to remain high today as fire managers utilize a variety of techniques and resources where the highest chances of success exist. Safety of the public and firefighters remain the top priority for the incident management team.
Weather: The forecasted weather for today is for continued hot, dry, unstable, and windy conditions. Cumulus clouds are likely to develop mid-morning with scattered showers and thunderstorms after 11:00am with wind gusts up to 30 mph near those storms; otherwise winds will primarily be out of the southwest 13-18 mph. Relative humidity will be 9-14%.
Current Situation: A structure defense group will continue work in the Tres Valles and Paradise Acres subdivisions. Crews are working north of Highway 160 to develop an anchor point on the southeastern corner of the fire. Crews will work with heavy equipment, such as bulldozers and road graders, to create fireline on the eastern side of the fire. Road graders will be used on the northern and western sides to place fuel breaks around structures, and crews will scout for opportunities to place firelines in lighter fuels.
Additional ground resources have been ordered and are continuing to arrive to assist in firefighting operations. Today, the North Spring Fire will share air assets with the Spring Creek Fire on the south side of Highway 160.
Fire information officers will staff an information board each day from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at the Huerfano County Community Center, 928 Russell Ave., Walsenburg, Colo.
Closures and Evacuations: Portions of US Highway 160 and Colorado Highway 69 line are closed due to fire activity. There are multiple evacuations in place; for current evacuation information, please call Huerfano County Emergency Operations Center at 719-695-9604 and Costilla County Emergency Operations Center at 719-480-8719. Road closure information can be found on the Colorado Department of transportation website: cotrips.org.
Spring ck Fire Update (south)
July 3, 2018 – 9:00 a.m.
Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black
Shane Greer, Incident Commander
Information Center: 719-695-9573
Hours of Operation: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Special notes: The fire acreage is now 78,941. The change in yesterday’s containment from 10% back to 5% was not due to any loss of achieved containment. The fire grew thousands of acres; this caused the perimeter to grow as well, thus decreasing the full percentage of containment.
There will be a community meeting in La Veta Wednesday, July 4, at 6 p.m. in the La Veta High School Gym, 109 E. Garland St.
Weather: Another active fire day is predicted. Red flag conditions remain today, primarily on ridgetops and exposed areas of the fire. Today will be hot, dry and unstable with windy conditions developing over the day. Winds will be from the west-southwest at 12-15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Relative humidity is low at 8-11%, and temperatures will be in the mid to upper 80s. Conditions today could lead to dangerous outflow winds that contribute to erratic and problematic fire behavior.
Current Situation: Sun and heat will dry out fuels early in the day, resulting in early active fire behavior. As slope, fuels, and wind direction align, fire will carry easily and move quickly. Columns will likely develop early. Heavy dead, down surface fuels are very receptive to spotting, and there is the possibility of spotting up to 1 mile.
Monday evening, weather and wind contributed to significant fire behavior on the northeast, east, and southeast sides. Hotspots were prevalent, and fire pushed aggressively south and east in Division E, crossing some established dozer line. Today, crews will create contingency line stretching from Highway 160 south to Piney Ridge.
A new division, Division H, has been created between Divisions E and K. On the southeast side in Divisions H and K, the fire made a significant run along the ridgeline north of Raspberry Mountain, with flame lengths of over 300 ft. The fire is following continuous heavy fuels and moving downslope to the east toward Highway 12 north of Pine Haven. The fire has not crossed Highway 12, although spotting across the highway is a concern. Structure preparation continues in Pine Haven and Cuchara neighborhoods, and crews are constructing contingency line along School Creek Rd. Firefighters are scouting for opportunities for further line construction in Division K in the southeast-south, and more heavy equipment is being moved into this area.
In Divisions N and Z in the south and southwest, the fire continues backing downslope toward W. Indian Creek. In Division Z, crews have constructed indirect line southwest of the fire perimeter and are looking for opportunities to construct direct line where possible. Firefighters may conduct firing operations in this area as needed. The area around South Forbes continues to be at risk for spot fires; crews will be working to extinguish spots and protect structures. Fireline construction continues off Mallott Rd, moving from Division A south and east into Divisions Z and N. Fire activity on the west should be mostly limited to heavy fuels continuing to burn out. Interior islands of unburned fuel may ignite and burn; these have some potential to throw spots.
In Division D on the northwest side, crews are continuing handline that stretches north from previously built dozer line, and they are working to tie this into Highway 160.
Closures and Evacuations: Highway 160 remains closed from La Veta to Ft Garland. Highway 12 is closed in the Cuchara Valley area. Highway 69 is closed from mm 5 to mm 42. For current evacuee information in Huerfano County visit the Huerfano County Facebook page: facebook.com/HuerfanoCountyOEM or call 719-695-9604. For evacuee information in Costilla County visit the San Luis Valley Emergency page: slvemergency.org or call 719-480-8719.
For More Information:
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5875/ Facebook: facebook.com/springfire2018
Twitter: @Springfire2018 Fire Info Line: 719-695-9573
***Social media identifiers are now #springfire for both areas, #southspringfire (Team Black), and #northspringfire (Team Blue).***
Spring Fire Statistics:
Start Date: June 27, 2018 Location: 5 miles east of Ft Garland, CO Size: 78, 941 acres
Percent Contained: 5% Resources: 715 Cause: Human caused, under Investigation
Evacuee Meeting: There is a daily 1 p.m. meeting for evacuees held at the evacuation center located at the Blanca/Ft Garland Community Center, 17591 E Hwy 160. The meetings will be live streamed on Facebook for those who cannot attend.
The Huerfano County Disaster Assistance Center will be open Tuesday, July 3 at the La Veta High School gymnasium from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm.
Services currently available at the Disaster Assistance Center will be:
📌Rapid tag (re-entry identification)
📌Red Cross
📌Behavioral health
📌Faith based services
📌County social services
📌Veterans Service Officer
📌211 Information
📌Area Agency on Aging
📌South Central Council of Governments
📌Internet cafe
📌Free licensed childcare for Disaster Assistance Center attendees
This map is being updated regularly: https://mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?ll=37.513155,-105.177891&z=12&t=h,VIIRS_24hrs_from_FIRMS,MODIS_24hr_from_FIRMS&markers=file=https://mappingsupport.com/p/disaster/2018/Colorado/spring_creek/_spring_creek_networklink.kml&q=https://mappingsupport.com/p/special_maps/disaster/USA_wildland_fire_3.txt
From www.cotrip.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EMERGENCY CLOSURE
US 160 is closed in both directions over La Veta Pass between Fort Garland – La Veta due to a nearby wildfire. No estimated time for reopening. Possible alternate route: US 50 west of Pueblo to US 285. Hwy 12 west of Trinidad is *NOT* a suitable alternate route.
CO Hwy 12 is closed between the Cuchara Pass area – La Veta.
CO Hwy 69 is closed between Red Rock Rd (5 west of I-25) and the Custer County Line
People are looking for donations of grass hay preferably small bales for the animals evacuated from the fires in Huerfano county. When TX and OK were burning they were rolling in 10 trucks deep at a time, I know Colorado can at least fill 1 stock trailer. With hay prices going up, I know everyone wants what they got for their own animals, but just think people down there have lost all their hay, so is 1 bale really gonna hurt us. I have been down there and it’s not good and doesnt look to be getting better. The more that fire moves the more animals that will have to be evacuated. I am in Pueblo and can collect it from areas up here and the Arkansas Valley area and take it down.
7/2/18
7/2/18 6:40 pm: Mail must be picked up with an ID
La Veta Mail must be picked up at post office with id. Mail for the La Veta zip code 81055 is being held at the La Veta Post Office and can be picked up with a photo ID. Mail for Walsenburg zip code 81089 is being held at the Walsenburg Post Office and can be picked up with a photo ID.Regular mail service will resume when mandatory evacuations are lifted.
7/2/18 3:15 pm:
We just heard that Gardner and everywhere south of it, including Malachite, Redwing, and Chama, are all on MANDATORY evacuation
UPDATE:
#SpringFire Mandatory Evacuation Notice
***Update*** Town of Gardener is NOT on Mandatory Evacuation, it remains on pre-evacuation, evacuation order was rescinded ONLY for the town of Gardner.
MANDATORY evacuation notice has been issued for Chama, Malachite, Redwing and includes the Badito area on the South Side of Highway 69. #HuerfanoCounty #MandatoryEvacuation
7/2/18 1 pm:
10% contained!
Spring ck Fire Update (South)
July 2, 2018 – 9:00 a.m.
Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black
Shane Greer, Incident Commander
Information Center: 719-695-9573
Hours of Operation: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Special notes: Yesterday (July 1), the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Type 2 Blue Team coordinated with Team Black on management of the fire. The Blue Team began north side management (fire north of Highway 160) today (July 2) at 6 a.m. ***Social media identifiers are now #springfire for both areas, #southspringfire (Team Black), and #northspringfire (Team Blue).***
Weather: Weather remains unstable, and a warming trend continues today with temperatures approaching 90F. Relative humidity is decreasing and could reach single digits today. Winds are from the west-southwest at 10 to 14 mph with gusts nearing 25 mph. These factors align for another day of extreme fire behavior. Monday will bring similar conditions.
Current Situation: The fire continues to grow every day and moves quickly when it reaches a new area of dense fuel such as heavy, mixed conifer. Outflow winds from passing thunderstorms are a concern today, as they could push the fire in any direction. Fire should become active before noon, and could be very active throughout the afternoon.
On the east side of the fire in Division E, growth has slowed somewhat as the fire moves into lighter fuels. Indirect contingency lines are in progress, anchoring to the 421 road and Highway 12, with the goal of keeping the fire west of La Veta. Crews are scouting and identifying opportunities for more fireline construction that will connect into neighboring Division K on the south. Firefighters are performing fuel mitigation and structure preparation in the communities of Piney Ridge and Raspberry Mountain.
On the south side in Division K, the fire has moved south of East Indian Creek and is progressing over the ridges of Raspberry Mountain, continuing downslope through heavy fuels. While this type of “backing” behavior (downhill growth), does not move as quickly as fire running up hill, the fire is expected to continue moving south/southwest toward Cuchara Village. The geography between Raspberry Mountain and the communities of Pinehaven and Cuchara Village is extremely challenging with significant beetle kill fuel, rough terrain and narrow canyons. This is a difficult area to place firefighters, as there are minimal escape routes should fire intensity change. As fire continues to push south, crews are constructing indirect line around the communities of Pinehaven and Cuchara Village and will prepare structures in this area in the event of fire spread. Expect to see large smoke columns in this area today.
The fire is growing to the south-southwest in Divisions N and Z, pushing toward West Indian Creek. Crews are successfully implementing point protection for houses in the South Forbes community. Firefighters are scouting for opportunities to create indirect line to keep the fire north of West Indian Creek. On the southeast side of the fire, crews are working to construct fireline off Mallott Rd, moving from Division A south and east into Divisions Z and N to keep fire east of Trinchera.
The west and northwest sides of the fire in Divisions A and D continue to hold. The 5% containment is along the northwest perimeter in Division D. Crews are scouting for options for more indirect line running from the ridges back into Highway 160.
There is now a portable fire retardant plant east of La Veta. Aircraft will drop retardant on areas where its effects will be successful. Air tankers are in use, and the Spring Fire now has two National Guard Blackhawk helicopters participating in air operations along with currently assigned resources.
Closures and Evacuations: Highway 160 remains closed due to fire activity. Highway 12 is also closed in the Cuchara Valley area.
For current evacuee information in Huerfano County visit the Huerfano County Facebook page: facebook.com/HuerfanoCountyOEM. For evacuee information in Costilla County visit the San Luis Valley Emergency page: slvemergency.org.
For More Information:
Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5875/ Facebook: facebook.com/springfire2018
Twitter: @Springfire2018 Fire Info Line: 719-695-9573
Spring Fire Statistics:
Start Date: June 27, 2018 Location: 5 miles east of Ft Garland, CO Size: 56, 820 acres
Percent Contained: 5% Resources: 550 Cause: Human caused, under Investigation
Evacuee Meeting: There is a daily 1 p.m. meeting for evacuees held at the evacuation center located at the Blanca/Ft Garland Community Center, 17591 E Hwy 160.
These meetings will provide resources to evacuees as well as a fire update. The meetings will be live streamed on Facebook for those who cannot attend.
2:30 pm 6/30/18
Navajo is now on mandatory evacuation.
2:00 pm 6/30/18
FROM KRDO
COSTILLA COUNTY, Colo. — One man was in custody for investigation of arson related to the massive Spring Fire in southern Colorado. A Costilla County Sheriff’s Office spokesman said Saturday the suspect was taken into custody without incident following an investigation.
The Spring Fire grew to 38,136 acres as of Saturday morning. Fire managers expected hot, dry weather again Saturday. Firefighting conditions were expected to be similar to Friday, when the wildfire saw explosive growth.
The fire, which started Wednesday east of Fort Garland and southeast of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, forced people in several areas to evacuate in Costilla and Huerfano counties.
A community meeting for evacuees was planned at 1 p.m. Saturday at the evacuation center located at the Blanca/Fort Garland Community Center, 17591 East Highway 160 in Blanca, Colorado. This meeting will provide resources to evacuees as well as a fire update.
Structures have been lost in the Spring Fire. Officials have not said how many have burned. They plan to identify the structures lost and ownership during the next several days.
Current evacuations include:
Wagon Creek
Forbes Park
Tres Valles
Paraise Acres
Raspberry Mountain
Pine Haven
Cuchara Valley
Pre-evacuation orders are in place for the towns of La Veta, Cuchara and south of U.S. 160 in the Fort Garland area. Trinchera in Costilla County was on pre-evacuation notice as well.
Highway 160 remains closed due to fire activity along the road and there is no estimate of reopening at this time. Highway 12 is also closed in the Cuchara Valley area due to mandatory evacuations.
Hot, windy, extremely dry conditions are fueling the rapid growth of the wildfire.
Some structures have been burned by the wildfire. There were reports that homes were lost.
10:00 pm 6/29/18
From: Manuel R. Lujan:
As of a few minutes ago, official acreage of #springfire is
Total Personnel: 275
Size: 33,956 Acres
9:00 pm 6/29/18
La Veta residents, others turn out for Spring Fire
info meeting Friday night
by Eric Mullens
LA VETA — With a back drop of an ominous brown smoke cloud hanging over their community, and evacuation efforts underway in Cuchara and Paradise Acres, it appeared most of the town of La Veta attended a 6 pm meeting Friday night in the school gym to hear the latest facts about the Spring Fire.
The Spring Fire, now in its second full day, has grown to 33,000 acres according to Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black Section Chief Paul Duarte. He told the audience, that filled both bleachers in the school’s gym that Friday was a good day and progress was made in fighting the fire that continues to burn in both Huerfano and Costilla counties. He said aircraft in the air and Hot Shot crews on the ground made headway in the firefight, but added it will take a combination of better weather and more hard work in the coming days until the fire is extinguished.
He said crews continued to work in the Pass Creek area near the summit of La Veta Pass, and fire activity there has caused the continued closure of US Hwy. 160 in both directions.
He said there has been some communications issues faced at the Incident Command Center in Fort Garland and the Fire Information Line 719-695-9573 may experience intermittent service until the problem is completely solved. He said the ‘great progress’ made in fighting the fire today was due in large part to the volunteer fire departments in the San Luis Valley and Huerfano County area. Valley volunteers from as far as Del Norte are working the fire on the west side of the pass, while LVFPD has been joined by HCFPD, UHFPD and Hoehne volunteers. He said while the fire did cross Hwy. 160 both at times on Thursday and Friday, firefighters were able to keep the flames in check.
David DeTray, the La Veta Fire Chief received applause and cheers as he took the microphone and said life safety for firefighters and residents remains the top priority. “Our hearts are with you, but we need to make sure we do everything as safely as possible so we can continue to protect you,” DeTray said.
La Veta Mayor Doug Brgoch told the audience, “ Be diligent, watch what’s going on, and use common sense.”
Huerfano County Commission Chairman Ray Garcia said Governor John Hickenlooper signed the state disaster declaration today and the commissioners have spoken to US Senator Cory Gardner requesting federal assistance.
Dr. Rosemary Nicoletta, the new owner of the Rio Cucharas Vet Clinic even addressed the audience regarding large animal care during the fire. She said large animals, cattle and especially performance horses, suffer breathing issues in these smokey conditions.
Public information on the fire through the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black may be obtained at facebook.com/springfire2018; by calling 719-695-9573 (communications technicians are working to ensure this line is fully operational during the incident) or on Twitter at @Springfire2018.
1:00 pm 6/29/18
Public Information Meeting in La Veta tonight (Friday, 6/29) at 6 pm at the La Veta High School Gymnasium
Want to help?
- Rio Cucharas Vet Clinic is trying to take care of large animals that have been evacuated and need hay: “Friends and clients; I have animals at the Fairgrounds that owners left without feed or water! Can anyone help me secure some small square hay donations? Grass preferable for digestive systems of horses, but will take anything. I am able to pick it up…thank you all in advance. I love this community so much. Y’all are the best!”
- Food and water donations for firefighters to be dropped off at La Veta Fire Station
12:00 pm 6/29/18
Huerfano County Emergency Management
MEDIA briefing 1200 at La Veta Town Hall.
A community meeting is being organized, for later today, if weather conditions allow and fire activity allow; and will be announced at a later time.
Please do not call Huerfano County Dispatch for non-emergency information related questions.
Areas under yesterday’s pre-evacaution are still under pre-evacuation notice and residents should be prepared to leave at a moments notice. You may choose to leave early at any time and should maintain situational awareness as weather conditions will be similar to yesterday and increased fire activity is anticipated later in the day.
https://www.ready.gov/evacuating-yourself-and-your-family
NWS Weather Message of the day:
Strong winds, low humidity, high Haines indices and dry fuels will result in the potential for extreme fire behavior. Conditions will be favorable for the rapid ignition, growth and spread of fires. Outdoor burning or any other activities that could accidentally start a wildfire should be postponed. Agencies involved in fire monitoring and response should be on high alert.
from SLV Emergency:
Spring Fire Update
June 29, 2018 – 9:00 a.m.
Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black
Shane Greer, Incident Commander
Information Center: 719-695-9573
Hours of Operation: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Spring Fire Grows to 23,889 Acres
Current Situation: The Spring Fire has grown to 23,889 acres. This fire which began Wednesday in Costilla County approximately five miles east of Fort Garland has now entered Huerfano County and continues moving east toward Highway 160 and the community of La Veta. Thursday’s efforts were focused on structure protection with firefighter and public safety as a priority, while Sheriff’s Deputies facilitated evacuations. Aviation resources were used to assist firefighters working on the ground with both retardant and water drops. These aerial efforts were marginally effective due to strong winds and extremely dry conditions in the fire area.
Rocky Mountain Team Black assumed command of the Spring Fire at 6 am today, June 29. This incident command team provides an organizational structure well suited to manage large wildfires. Today firefighters will continue with protecting structures as well as values at risk while providing for firefighter and public safety.
The Costilla County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that some structures have been lost on the Spring Fire though exact numbers could not be ascertained while they focused on evacuation efforts. Over the next several days, the Sheriff’s Office will begin to identify lost structures and ownership. For information about evacuations please contact the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office at (719) Spring Fire Update
June 29, 2018 – 9:00 a.m.
Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black
Shane Greer, Incident Commander
Information Center: 719-695-9573
Hours of Operation: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Spring Fire Grows to 23,889 Acres
Current Situation: The Spring Fire has grown to 23,889 acres. This fire which began Wednesday in Costilla County approximately five miles east of Fort Garland has now entered Huerfano County and continues moving east toward Highway 160 and the community of La Veta. Thursday’s efforts were focused on structure protection with firefighter and public safety as a priority, while Sheriff’s Deputies facilitated evacuations. Aviation resources were used to assist firefighters working on the ground with both retardant and water drops. These aerial efforts were marginally effective due to strong winds and extremely dry conditions in the fire area.
Rocky Mountain Team Black assumed command of the Spring Fire at 6 am today, June 29. This incident command team provides an organizational structure well suited to manage large wildfires. Today firefighters will continue with protecting structures as well as values at risk while providing for firefighter and public safety.
The Costilla County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that some structures have been lost on the Spring Fire though exact numbers could not be ascertained while they focused on evacuation efforts. Over the next several days, the Sheriff’s Office will begin to identify lost structures and ownership. For information about evacuations please contact the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office at 719-480-8719 or visit the Huerfano County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Management facebook at facebook.com/HuerfanoCountyOEM
Weather: Another day of red flag conditions are forecasted for today. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid to high 80’s with a relative humidity of 6-10%. Winds are expected to be out of the south and southwest with gusts up to 35. Cumulus buildup is likely to start around 10 am which can create gusty and erratic winds with little to no moisture. With today’s forecast being much like Thursday’s, erratic fire behavior similar to yesterday is expected.
Closures and Evacuations: Highway 160 was closed last night due to fire activity along the road and there is no estimate of reopening at this time. For evacuations in Costilla County visit the San Luis Valley Emergency page at slvemergency.orgfor a current evacuation map. For evacuations in Huerfano County please visit the Huerfano County Facebook page at facebook.com/HuerfanoCountyOEM
For More Information:
Facebook: facebook.com/springfire2018
Twitter: @Springfire2018
Fire Info Line: 719-695-9573
Spring Fire Statistics:
Start Date: June 27, 2018
Location: 5 miles east of Ft Garland, CO
Size: 23,889 acres
Percent Contained: 0%
Cause: Under Investigation
Evacuee Meeting: There will be a 1pm meeting for evacuees held at the evacuation center located at the Blanca/Ft Garland Community Center, 17591 E Hwy 160. This meeting will provide resources to evacuees as well as a fire update. The meeting will be live streamed on Facebook for those who cannot make it to the meeting. Future meetings will be determined for evacuees of Huerfano County. Those future meetings will be announced on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
OFFICIAL: SPANISH PEAKS REGIONAL HEALTH CENTER (SPRHC) INCIDENT COMMAND CENTER
JCAMACHO
WALSENBURG, CO
11:29pm 6/28/18
Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center wants the community to know that, based on official Huerfano County EOC and Dispatch information, Incident Command has decided to mobilize and prepare to transport our Residents and patients. Air quality and fire activity continue to be our greatest concern. Considering that the activity has greatly increased, we have decided to take this action. SPRHC Incident Command is conducting these measures strategically and safely to avoid panic.
7:00 am 6/29/18
Hwy 160 is closed outside Walsenburg. Don’t plan on heading west. #SpringFire
4:00 pm 6/28/18:
SPRING CREEK FIRE AT 6,140 ACRES BY MIDDAY THURS., JUNE 28
by Eric Mullens
LA VETA — Government, fire, law enforcement and emergency management officials in Huerfano County have set up a command center today at the La Veta Fire Protection District Station to be prepared in case the Spring Creek fire burning more than 6,000 acres this afternoon in Costilla County continues to move east.
Huerfano County Administrator John Galusha is the current acting Public Information Officer at the Huerfano Incident Command Post and LVFPD officials are working closely with county officials to preposition firefighting, and earth moving equipment in the event the fire moves into Huerfano County. At a 2 pm briefing than had not yet been confirmed by the fire had grown in the dry windy conditions west of the La Veta Pass summit.
High winds of up to 30 mph are forecast for later today and into this evening and coupled with a weather inversion effect, it is likely the Cuchara / La Veta and Walsenburg areas will experience smoke from the fire, which might be heavy at times. Those with breathing issues are advised to stay indoors or if going outside to wear a dust mask when the smoke is the heaviest.
The Huerfano Incident Commander is David DeTray, LVFPD Chief.
Areas of concern identified by HC officials are unincorporated Huerfano County West of Hwy. 12 with a North boundary of US 160 and South boundary HCR 451 and Mountain Valley Rd. Containing the Middle Creek and Indian Creek drainages.
As of this afternoon’s briefing there was no damage or loss in Huerfano County with the fire still contained to Costilla County. Huerfano County Commissioners Gerald Cisneros and Max Vezzani attended the 2 pm briefing along with La Veta Town officials and representatives from the Marshal’s Office and the Colorado State Patrol.
(CBS4in Denver is reporting) – A wildland fire in Costilla County is burning out of control and has burned some structures. The fire broke out near La Veta Pass Wednesday evening. The Spring, or Spring Creek Fire has prompted evacuations in Forbes Park between Fort Garland and La Veta. Officials say the fire has grown dramatically to more than 5 square miles, and it is not contained.
It’s not clear yet how many structures were burned or whether any were homes. The Costilla County Sheriff’s Office says it was still assessing the damage Thursday and will update evacuated residents in the afternoon.
At around 9 p.m., Wednesday, officials ordered a pre-evacuation notice for Wagon Creek after they say the fire was moving in that direction.. Evacuees are told they can stay at a Red Cross shelter at the Fort Garland and Blanca community center.
The fire is sending a large plume of smoke in the area. Fire officials are asking people not to stop on the highway to take pictures or look at it.
3:15 pm 6/28/18:
The Spring Fire is now estimated at about 4,000 acres and isn’t contained, according to San Luis Valley Emergency Management Thursday afternoon.
There are between 80 and 100 firefighters with more than a dozen engines battling the blaze. Aerial firefighting efforts are also underway whenever the conditions allow.
http://www.krdo.com/news/spring-fire-burns-thousands-of-acres-in-costilla-county2/759889873
1:55 pm 6/28/18:
If you have been evacuated due to the Costilla Spring Fire, residents will have to check into the Blanca/Fort Garland Community Center to be issued a Rapid Tag Identification Card for reentry when conditions allow the evacuation order to be lifted. Current area of fire reported at 3500 acres.
Here’s a link to a Google Map with evacuation zones and an approximate fire map:
https://www.facebook.com/dylanbrownagency/videos/640557159635519/UzpfSTE4MzQ2MTUyNTM0NTA4NzpWSzo2NDA1NTcxNTk2MzU1MTk/
From Dylan R Brown Agency – Farmers Insurance: Security camera footage of a home being engulfed in The Springs Fire in Forbes Park. We are concerned about all the people being affected by this fire. Please contact your local agent to make sure you have appropriate coverage on your home. #thespringsfire #forestfire #forbespark #insurance#wearefarmers #dylanbrownagency
Spring fire news
12:36 pm 6-28-18
According to San Luis Valley Emergency Management, the Spring Fire is now estimated at 3,723 acres and isn’t contained. Structures have been lost, though it is still unknown if any are homes or just outbuildings.
The Associated Press reports, about 350 primary and vacation homes in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains have been evacuated.
12 pm 6-28-18
by Eric Mullens
HUERFANO – Huerfano County Sheriff Bruce Newman briefed the World Journal this hour and said the Spring Fire in Costilla County has grown to approximately 2,300 acres and is about two miles west of the Huerfano/Costilla County line. Huerfano emergency responders are pre positioned in the La Veta area and a Type II incident command team is in place in Costilla County today. It is expected the Spring fire could move into the Huerfano County area this afternoon. Stay posted to the WJ and Huerfano County emergency dispatch FB pages for updates.
From Huerfano County dispatch
PRESS RELEASE 6-28-18 10:25am
Huerfano County and La Veta Fire preparedness for the Spring Fire in Costilla County.
La Veta Fire District has an Incident Command set up at Station 1 in La Veta. Phone number is 719-742-3656. They are in a pre-evacuation stage for an area West of Hwy 12 and South of Hwy 160 to County Road 451. The primary concern at this time is life safety. Large animal shelter is set up at the Fairgrounds in La Veta. There is no anticipated risk to the Cuchara area at this time. There is a potential for the fire to cross into the County either today or tomorrow. We are in contact with the State resources in Costilla County.
Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
Acting PIO, John Galusha 719-248-4541
The red highlighted area below is the area that the pre-evacuation order was sent to. The towns of Cuchara and La Veta are not in pre-evacuation status. Also, the fire is still in Costilla County only. It has not yet crossed over into Huerfano County. We will continue to update as we get reliable information.
