Single Publication

Chris Mountain Fire Update

July 3­, 2023  9:00 am

Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Three

Matt Spring, Incident Commander

Date Reported: June 28, 2023

Cause: Lightning

Size: 459

Containment: 0%

Total Personnel: 463

Location: 12 Mile west-northwest of Pagosa Springs, CO

Special Note: A Fire Weather Watch is in effect today for hot, dry conditions and gusty winds. Tomorrow, July 4, there is a RED FLAG WARNING in effect.

Current Situation: Fire behavior was moderate yesterday due to partly cloudy skies and spotty precipitation from passing thunderstorms. The fire continued to back down the West Fork Devil and the main Devil Creek drainages. Storm cells passed over the fire area, but little precipitation was recorded. Fire behavior should be similar today; winds from the west-southwest may become gusty and erratic with thunderstorm development, and if winds and topography align, fire behavior could increase.

Yesterday, aerial resources were able to assist in moderating fire behavior along the northern and eastern edges, slowing the fire’s progress as it backed into Devil Creek drainage. Aircraft achieved a total of 13.5 hours of flight time before thunderstorm outflow winds created unsafe flying conditions. Crews have completed direct fire line along the western edge from Snow Angel Ranch north to the “bowl” at the north edge of the fire. Today, they will secure and hold this line. On the south side, firefighters are working east from Snow Angel Ranch to connect hand line with established dozer line and FS road 681. Roads in the area are prepared to be used as containment line if the fire does cross Devil Creek drainage. Road preparation includes removal of fuels on the fire side of the road, lessening the chance of fire crossing over. Last night, hotshot crews safely camped close to the fire area to increase work efficiency, a tactic that is referred to as “spiking out.” Structure protection measures at Snow Angel Ranch remain in place.

Weather & Smoke Information: A Red Flag Warning has been issued for Tuesday through the rest of the week due to expected high wind and low humidity. Throughout today, hotter and drier conditions are expected, with highs 81-85 degrees and relative humidity 10-14% Thunderstorm development in the afternoon could produce gusty and erratic wind.

Closures: San Juan National Forest has a closure order in effect: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-publication/cosjf-chris-mountain-fire/chris-mountain-fire-closure

Evacuations: Archuleta County has issued mandatory evacuations for Forest Road 628, effective June 28th, 2023. To sign up for emergency notifications, visit the Archuleta County Emergency Operations website. You may also find evacuation information on their Facebook page or call the Chris Mountain Evacuees Call Center: at 970-264-8373 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A TFR is in place at this time. TFR link: tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_3_9743.html

Fire Information Phone Line: (970) 549-8799  Hours: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094353994683   Email: 2023.chrismountain@firenet.gov

InciWeb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/cosjf-chris-mountain-fire