West Fork Complex at 42,000 acres, good news for South Fork

SUN Photo/ Mike Pierce
The West Fork Complex fires continue to burn. The Papoose Fire, seen here to the left, is now grouped as part of the complex along with the Windy Pass and West Fork fires.

According to Laura McConnell, public information officer with the Rocky Mountain Type 1 team assigned to the West Fork Complex, the complex is now burning a total of 42,000 acres.

The West Fork Complex includes the West Fork, Windy Pass and Papoose fires.

Saturday is the first day the Type 1 team has been operation on the complex, and is based out of Del Norte. The team is working with the Type 2 NIMO team that is currently based out of Pagosa Springs.

According to McConnell, the West Fork Fire remains several miles from South Fork and is now burning in ponderosa, conifer and aspen, which she stated is good news for the fire, and good news for South Fork.

Elsewhere in the fires, McConnell noted, the fires have taken turns and not burned aspen stands. The fires react differently based upon the area vegetation, she added.

However, another Red Flag Warning is in effect for today, Saturday, meaning hot, windy conditions will persist.

McConnell said there have been no reports of structures lost.

Over the next several days, McConnell said there will be an influx of engines and crews reporting to the fire because of the extreme fire behavior seen earlier this week, on Thursday.

Aviation resources continue to be available as winds allow and are based out of Pagosa Springs and Durango.