Update on the Rio Blanco Fire as of 10pm, July 28.
The fire is approximately 120 acres in size, with 0% containment. There is a mandatory evacuation order in place for CR 335. Updates on re-entry will be provided as we gather further intel and understand the impact in the morning.
Ground crews are on-scene sizing up the fire and working to protect structures, utilizing dozer lines, engines and aerial support.
The local San Juan Type 3 Incident Management Team 8 has been ordered to the incident and is assessing the best firefighting strategies. The fire received some moisture in the afternoon but is very active and burning in steep canyons along NFRS 653. The forecast is projecting higher temperatures with little precipitation for the next week and the San Juan National Forest is taking aggressive actions to suppress this wildfire. Structural and resource protections, as well as firefighter safety, are the main priorities for this incident.
Pre-evacuation warnings are in place for CR 337, CR 339 and Pinon Hills Ranch.
Fire fighting resources and personnel have been ordered and are currently en-route to Pagosa Springs.
Pagosa Springs High School is the evacuation shelter, and the CSU Extension Building and Fairgrounds will be available for livestock. The Humane Society of Pagosa Springs will be available for smaller domestic animals.
The incident call center will be re-activated at 0800 in the morning. Please call 970-508-9928.