Spring Fire Explodes In Size To 24,000 Acres, Jumps Highway
COSTILLA COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) -- The size of a wildland fire in Costilla County exploded overnight -- from 4,000 acres on Thursday to nearly 24,000 acres on Friday -- and continues to burn out of control.
#SpringFire continues to grow and has jumped CO 160 at mile point 384, near Huerfano County Road 442. CDOT and CSP will keep US 160 closed due to poor viability, heavy smoke and the fire's proximity to the highway. Check https://t.co/uOU0HHbUQ6 for latest closures. pic.twitter.com/3CYaHGhuo6
— Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) (@ColoradoDOT) June 29, 2018
The fire jumped CO 160 near Huerfano County Road, forcing the Colorado Department of Transportation to close the highway. The highway will remain closed due to poor visibility, heavy smoke and the fire's proximity to the highway.
The fire moved into Huerfano County on Friday and the sheriff's office ordered mandatory evacuations.
A MANDATORY EVACUATION has been issued for residents in Tres Valles, Paradise Acres, Raspberry Mountain, Pine Haven and the Cuchara Valley. Cuchara residents have 2 hours to evacuate either north or south on Hwy 12 then the Highway will be closed
— Emergency Dispatch (@Huerfano_911) June 29, 2018
WATCH: Spring Fire burning in Costilla County exploded in size overnight and has burned nearly 24,000 acres. This video was recorded earlier today.WATCH: Spring Fire burning in Costilla County exploded in size overnight and has burned nearly 24,000 acres. This video was recorded earlier today. https://wp.me/p14KRM-717C
Posted by CBS Denver on Friday, June 29, 2018
The Spring Fire broke out approximately five miles east of Fort Garland Wednesday evening and has now entered Huerfano County and continues moving east toward Highway 160 and the community of La Veta.
NEW INFORMATION FOR ANIMALS IN LA VETA 4H BARN. THEY ARE GOING TO REMAIN OPEN AT THIS TIME. THE SECONDARY LOCATION IS NOW IN TRINIDAD AT THE LAS ANIMAS COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS. AGAIN LA VETA 4H BARN WILL REMAIN OPEN. THANK YOU
— Emergency Dispatch (@Huerfano_911) June 29, 2018
#SpringFire estimated perimeter and local geography. #cowx #cofire pic.twitter.com/DNfrBKLcDo
— NWS Pueblo (@NWSPueblo) June 29, 2018
On Thursday, officials said there were 80 to 100 firefighters battling the blaze, along with fixed wing aircraft dropping fire retardant and helicopters making water drops.
Fire crews had to be pulled out because of the danger of the advancing flames at one point.
Dry conditions, rough terrain and strong winds gave the fire the upper hand.
On Friday, some South Metro Fire Rescue crews packed up and were leaving to assist the existing crews. They're one of many departments across the state helping to try contain the massive fire. The Denver Fire Department has sent seven firefighters to help.
A Type II incident team was expected to arrive Friday provide more manpower and expertise.
Rocky Mountain Team Black assumed command of the Spring Fire at 6 a.m. on Friday.
"This incident command team provides an organizational structure well suited to manage large wildfires. Today firefighters will continue with protecting structures as well as values at risk while providing for firefighter and public safety," officials stated.
Evacuations
The fire prompted evacuations in Forbes Park between Fort Garland and La Veta. About 2,500 people have been evacuated from the area.
Authorities say some structures have been burned by the wildfire but won't confirm whether those structures are homes, outbuildings or businesses.
Evacuees were told they can stay at a Red Cross shelter at the Fort Garland and Blanca community center at 17591 E. Hwy 160 in Blanca.
Another shelter has been opened at Huerfano Community Center, 928 Russel Street in Walsenburg.
#SpringFire Update:#Redcross has two shelters open for #SpringFire. We had 4 people stay in Blanca shelter with 14 staying at the shelter in Walsenburg. See full update on our blog at https://t.co/6BWW6pNHG4 #COFire #SpringCreekFire pic.twitter.com/9WoilMdPWa
— cowyredcross (@COWYRedCross) June 29, 2018
Another day of red flag conditions were forecasted for Friday. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid to high 80's with a relative humidity of 6-10%. Winds are expected to be out of the south and southwest with gusts up to 35. Cumulus buildup is likely to start around 10 am which can create gusty and erratic winds with little to no moisture. With today's forecast being much like Thursday's, erratic fire behavior similar to yesterday is expected.
Weather conditions
Another day of red flag conditions were forecasted for Friday.
Temperatures were expected to be in the mid to high 80s with a relative humidity of 6-10 percent.
Winds were expected to be out of the south and southwest with gusts up to 35. Cumulus buildup is likely to start around 10 am which can create gusty and erratic winds with little to no moisture.
With Friday's forecast being much like Thursday's, erratic fire behavior was expected, officials stated.
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