Spring Fire 77 percent contained

By SYLVIA LOBATO
FORT GARLAND — Life and recovery activities are slowly returning to the vast area burned and scorched by the Spring Fire.
The U.S. Forest Service reports this fire is the second-largest active fire in the country. It’s 77 percent contained with nearly 1,700 firefighters still at work in both Costilla and Huerfano counties.
Now estimated to have consumed 107,627 acres, the fire remains active north of Colorado 160, where interior islands continue to burn. Fire crews are working to close large containment gaps along steep mountain slopes. There is minimal fire activity south of Colorado 160.
So far, authorities have reported 132 homes destroyed and another 119 damaged. That number could grow as inaccessible areas are reached and assessed. The historic Forbes Trinchera Ranch, owned by Louis Bacon, is reportedly among the losses.
Highway 160, La Veta Pass, is open in both directions. There is no stopping, parking or standing outside of vehicles along the highway or shoulder from La Veta to Ft Garland.
The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad reports passenger operations are back on track. The line has been reopened and continues to provide all passenger service as scheduled, according to a press release from the railroad.
According to the information involved, the Rocky Mountain Black Team will be on board the train today, Wednesday, July 11, to view the area. They will also be discussing fire safety tips and effects of the fire with fellow passengers.
As containment percentages increase, local crews on the Spring Fire are focusing their efforts on mop-up, repair of fire suppression activities and removing or relocating unneeded equipment. Utility companies are working to repair infrastructure within the impacted areas. Conditions remain hot and dry, with minimal potential for moisture and a possibility for lightning. While overall fire behavior is calming, spotting is still a potential in these conditions. As fire continues to consume interior fuels, smoke and some flame will still be visible in some areas.
Many residents are returning to the burned area. Fire management wishes to remind them to stay on high alert for their own safety. There are still crews working in the areas, using heavy equipment and chainsaws. Residents may encounter “hazard trees” or snags – trees that are weakened from burning or hanging precariously on other trees. These trees may fall over without notice. Various types of debris are underfoot and burned stump holes/ash pits are a tripping hazard and a burn hazard.
Conditions remain hot and dry, with the chance of wetting rain at 10 percent.
Temperature may reach the upper 80s, approaching 90F in some areas. Higher elevations above 8,500 ft. will be in the high 70s to low 80s. Relative humidity is low at 12 percent. Winds will start out of the west-southwest early in the day at 6-9 mph with gusts up to 18 mph.
The wind will shift and come from the east by late morning, blowing at 7-12 mph with gusts to 20 mph. Storm cells could produce outflow gusts up to 30 mph.