Three fires burning in region, homes evacuated

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Three fires are currently burning in the region as of Friday evening.

Park Creek Road           

One fire is located near South Fork approximately 1.5 miles up Park Creek Road, which is near mile marker 174 on U.S. 160.

According to Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office Director of Emergency Operations Mike Le Roux, Archuleta County provided mutual aid on the fire for the initial attack.

Le Roux explained that at last report, the fire was approximately 6 acres in size and was “torching and nasty.”

A state incident command is in charge of the fire with support from Mineral County Emergency Management. Air support is also helping in the firefighting efforts.

It is believed the cause of the fire is lightning.

Northeast of Durango

A second fire is burning northeast of Durango in the North Fork Texas Creek area.

According to Le Roux, at last report the fire was 25 acres in size.

According to the Durango Herald, about five homes were being evacuated Friday night for the wildland fire.

The Herald reports that approximately 200 homes between Helen’s Store and County Road 501 were being placed on pre-evacuation notice, meaning they should be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

Aircraft from the Durango Tanker Base is providing support for the fire.

New Mexico Fire

A third fire is approximately 30 acres in size burning southwest of the La Plata County airport in New Mexico. Currently about 25 homes on County Road 49 are being evacuated explained Le Roux.

Los Pinos Fire Protection District is providing mutual aid for the fire.

Red Flag Warning           

A Red Flag Warning will be in affect for the region on Saturday. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Additional information will be updated as it is received.

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