The Rio Blanco Fire is burning south of Eightmile Mesa, approximately 12 miles south of Pagosa Springs on Valle Seco B Road (NFSR 653). The cause is undetermined at this time.
The Valle Seco Road (NFSR 653) and all spur roads are closed to the public. An official road closure will be in place soon. The public should avoid the area north of the Valle Seco Road.
Evacuation Orders are in place for CR 335 Lower Blanco, and Pre-Evacuation Orders in place for CR 337, 339, and Pinon Hills area along CR 500, per Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office. The Pagosa Springs High School will be set up for evacuees. The Fairgrounds will be available for livestock and the Pagosa Springs Humane Society will be available for smaller domestic animals. Call Archuleta County at (970) 508-9928 for more information about evacuations and closures.
Current Situation
Total Personnel: 48
Size: 440 Acres
Percent of Perimeter Contained: 0%
Cause: Currently under investigation
Weather Concerns
Drier air begins to work in Thursday, limiting shower and thunderstorm chances to the higher terrain adjacent to the fire location. These storms could produce outflows that reach the fire in the later afternoon or early evening, resulting in gusty and erratic winds.
Temperatures will steadily increase through the weekend, and daytime minimum humidity values will begin to drop into the teens. Winds remain light through the period, meaning critical fire weather conditions are not expected.
More information may be available on Inciweb.