Single Publication

Chris Mountain Fire Update 

July 5, 2023; 9:00 am 

Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Three 

Matt Spring, Incident Commander  

Date Reported: June 28, 2023 

Cause: Lightning 

Size: 492 acres  

Containment: 0% 

Total Personnel: 529 

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

Special Notes: The relative humidity is expected to be in the single digits in the fire area.  A Red Flag Warning has been issued locally for today, July 5th. 

Current Situation: Firefighters took advantage of favorable weather conditions to execute a strategic firing operation on Tuesday morning. This operation secured the fireline north of Snow Angel Ranch by reducing the unburned fuel between the fire and the ranch. The forecasted winds did not develop over the fire area yesterday and fire growth was minimal. Fire crews continued to improve handline on the west side of the fire. Minimal fire behavior has been observed on this portion of the fire. Helicopters cooled hot spots in the “bowl” feature and along the rim of the bowl on the north end of the fire. Indirect fireline on the east side of the fire is nearing completion. Existing forest roads, handline and dozer lines are being used to create this perimeter. Contingency strategies are being developed in the event the fire crosses Devil Creek drainage. Firefighters remained overnight on the fire patrolling and addressing hot spots.   

Firefighters are improving and securing the fire perimeter today. Fire crews are prepared for predicted red flag conditions and increased fire behavior. Additional resources have been assigned to respond to any new fire starts in the area. The structure protection group is identifying mitigation needs in areas around the fire. 

Weather & Smoke Information: Cloud cover will be minimal with the temperature nearing 90 degrees. Wind from the southwest 10 to 14 mph in the afternoon may develop over the fire area. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph on the ridgetops. The relative humidity may be as low as 8%. These conditions could contribute to increased fire activity. A Red Flag Warning has been issued locally for today.  

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 Phoneline: (970) 549-8799Hours: 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 

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