The Elkhorn Fire, burning north of Durango in dense scrub oak, grew to about 314 acres overnight and is 0% contained. The fire is moving in a northeasterly direction, away from homes and communities. No additional evacuations have been ordered by La Plata County. Last night the USDA Forest Service National Infrared Operations (NIROPS) identified spot fires in the Bear Creek drainage. There is increasing potential for monsoon weather conditions and moisture over the fire area in the coming days. Safety officers report zero injuries to the public or firefighters.
La Plata County Evacuation and Shelter Information can be found at: readylaplata.org
Fire Behavior & Weather
Mostly sunny today with increasing clouds and the potential for moisture with afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures will be in the low 80s with relative humidity increasing to 15-20%. South winds around 5 mph this morning, then southwest at 8-12 mph. Gusty and erratic wind in the afternoon, 18 mph with potential for lightning.
Fuel moisture is still very low; the amount of water contained within dead vegetation and other combustible materials creates drier and more flammable conditions.
Operations on July 27
Firefighters established an anchor point and built handlines on both flanks of the fire. Two Type 1 helicopters made multiple drops of water, reducing fire spread and cooling the head of the fire. Crews scouted areas near the head of the fire to determine the best tactics for suppression.
More than 138,000 gallons of fire retardant was utilized over the weekend to assist firefighters in constructing fireline and slow fire spread, primarily on the left flank.
Local resources patrolled the fire overnight and witnessed some tree torching around midnight.
Operations on July 28
The Helena Interagency Hotshot Crew is working to construct direct fireline on the northwest flank. Three Type 1 and one Type 3 helicopters, along with air attack (the aerial supervision platform), will be working throughout the operational period. The top priority is to keep the fire from spreading in a westerly direction to protect homes and communities. Fire personnel are assessing protection measures for nearby homes and infrastructure, should conditions change.
Aircraft will be used as needed to secure fireline and to slow spot fire growth in the Bear Creek drainage.
Rim Road Fire
The Rim Road Fire, burning on Southern Ute land south of Durango, did not grow overnight. No evacuations have been ordered.