A cluster of wildfires, collectively dubbed the West Fork Complex Fire, continues to burn in the southern part of Colorado and has spread to over 100 square miles by Sunday, blazing through approximately 70,000 acres of arid state forests.
The West Fork Complex Fire is made up of three separate wildfires: The Windy Pass Fire, The Papoose Fire and the West Fork Fire. Located approximately 14.5 miles north-northeast of Pagosa Springs, Colo., the Complex Fire is threatening the popular tourist destination of South Fork, Colo. as the flames creep closer to the town, according to various media reports.
According to Fox News, extremely dry and windy weather have prevented fire crews from making any progress on the fire over the weekend, as it spread overnight to 108 square miles, up from 100 on Saturday.
Colorado officials say that it's doubtful that fire crews will be able to establish any containment lines in the blaze until there is a break in the weather, possibly on Tuesday, because the fire is being fueled by very dry timber and the terrain in the area of the blaze is steep and uneven, making access difficult.
"The fire is very unpredictable," said Rio Grande County Commissioner Carla Shriver. "They are saying they haven't quite seen one like this in years. There is so much fuel up there."
Oregon Live reports that the rapidly advancing fire has forced the evacuation of hundreds of summer visitors along with the nearly 400 year-round residents of South Fork on Friday. South Fork Mayor Kenneth Brooke estimated that between 1,000 and 1,500 people were forced out of their homes.
According to Incident Commander Pete Blume, the evacuation of South Fork could last "maybe" five to seven days.
"I wish I could give you a more optimistic view but I have to be honest," Blume said. "This is not going to be a short-term event."
Additional voluntary evacuation orders are underway for the approximately 300 residents in the nearby town of Creede. Officials are encouraging evacuations in Creede due to fears that the triple-fire complex could reach and possibly take out roads that lead out of the town.
According to a report from the Pagosa Sun, upwards of 600 fire personnel are battling the blazes. As of Sunday resources include 3 Type 1 hand crews, 9 Type 2 hand crews, 31 fire engines, 6 water tenders, 3 Type 1 helicopters, 2 Type 2 helicopters and 4 Type 3 helicopters.
So far no injuries have been reported, nor structures damaged in the fire.
A Red Flag warning is in effect for the entire affected area on Sunday, due to low relative humidity, strong winds and a Haines Index of 6. The Haines Index measures the stability and dryness of the air over the fire. A Haines Index of 6 indicates that there is a high potential for extreme fire behavior, intensity and growth.
"Fire conditions are prime with the combination of fuels, heat, winds and low humidity," said fire information officer Mike Stearly of the Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center. "It's expected to be like this through next Tuesday."
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