The Spring Fire has burned close to 108,000 acres in two weeks and it’s left more than 130-people without homes.
The blaze is at 77% containment and a major milestone was reached as some of the evacuees from the south side of the fire were finally allowed to go home, even though many people weren’t sure of what they’d find when they got there.
Wednesday morning, authorities announced that the entire perimeter of the southern portion of the fire was contained.
All Cuchara residents and people living in the Raspberry Mountain, Piney Ridge and Pine Haven areas were told Monday that they can return to their homes.
Firefighters have made tremendous progress on the fire. Tuesday, the western edge of the blaze showed less intensity and fire crews were able to take a more direct attack along the fire’s edge while structure protection specialists continued working to secure houses west of County Road 572. Firefighters are working to build and improve existing containment lines south of Red Wing and are focusing on protecting structures in that area.
The fire is most active around Paradise acres. Officials say the area is incredibly challenging and it’s leaving many residents unsure if their homes are still standing.
County Road 520 is closed in Huerfano County due to firefighter activity, and Highway 69 from milemarker 5 to milemarker 42 will be closed to all but local traffic in that stretch. Highway 160 reopened over the weekend, it may be closed as needed for firefighting efforts.
Parts of the San Isabel National Forest area closed to recreational visitors. For more information about the closure, contact the San Carlos Ranger District of the Pike and San Isabel National Forests at (719) 553-1400.
EVACUATION INFORMATION
EVACUATION/ASSISTANCE CENTERS
Evacuees from Huerfano County should go to the Red Cross Shelter in Walsenburg at 928 Russell Street Walsenburg, CO 81089.
County officials also opened a new location to receive Rapid Re-entry identification cards at the Upper Huerfano Fire Protection District. That’s located at 25396 CO HWY 69, Gardner, CO and it will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
La Veta Disaster Assistance Center located at 126 E Garland St in La Veta.
Blanca/Fort Garland Community Center located at 17591 E. Hwy 160 in Blanca, CO
Centennial High School in San Luis located at 14644 CO-159, San Luis, CO 81152
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VIDEO: Forbes Park home consumed by Spring Fire
Official Facebook page for firefighting effort – Spring Fire 2018
Official Twitter account for firefighting effort – @SpringFire2018
