The 416 Fire showed early signs of activity Saturday morning, putting up a column of black smoke on the southeast flank of the fire, near the Hermosa Cliffs.
The fire has grown by 1,511 acres, according to the most-recent mapping estimates released Saturday morning. It remained 10 percent contained.
No structures have been lost.
All evacuations and pre-evacuations remain in effect, which includes 1,625 evacuated homes and 1,272 homes on pre-evacuation.
A community meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.
Fire managers expect “severe” fire conditions Saturday as a result of dry conditions, high temperatures and strong wind gusts, said David Boyd, spokesman for Type I team.
Firefighters planned to do battle on three fronts: the southwest portion of the fire near Hermosa Creek and County Road 201; the southeast portion of the fire near the Animas Village Apartments and the U.S. Highway 550 corridor; and on the north end of the fire, where hand crews will do structure protection in anticipation of fire growth, Boyd said.
A federal Type 1 team took over command of firefighting efforts at 6 a.m. Saturday. The 9-day-old fire has 683 personnel, nine helicopters and three air tankers working the blaze Saturday.
The fire has come close the Animas Village Apartments in the 34000 block of U.S. Highway 550, but fire managers said the progression has occurred in a controlled manner and firefighters are prepared to allow flames to approach without loss of structures.
The technique is referred to as having “set up points,” in which firefighters allow the fire to come to them, then have a burnout area where they can engage the fire more safely.
The fire was last mapped at 8,691 acres. Some of the new growth is the result of burnout efforts and some of it is the result of natural fire growth, Boyd said.
Most of the new fire growth occurred on the west side of the fire.
For Saturday, weather forecasters are calling for temperatures in the upper 80s with winds of 10 to 15 mph, and gusts up to 25 mph, said Matthew Aleska, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Grand Junction.
Sunday is expected to be windier as a system moves into the area. A “red flag warning” is in effect from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, meaning hot temperatures, high winds and low humidity. The next best chance of precipitation will be late next week.
“There will be no precipitation at least through the middle of next week,” Aleska said.
A smoke advisory is issued for the area.
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What you need to know
Community resources
La Plata County government hotline for residents evacuating: (970) 385-8700.
Livestock can be evacuated to La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave.
Four Corners Back Country Horsemen will assist with horse and livestock evacuations, call (570) 228-1340.
The Browning Ranch in Farmington volunteered to host horses during evacuations. Call Chris Maedche (505) 681-3595.
Small animals can be evacuated to La Plata County Humane Society, 111 South Camino del Rio.
Tips for pre-evacuation
For people who received a pre-evacuation notice, these steps can improve their safety and expedite departure should an evacuation become necessary.
Inside the house
Gather medications.
Pack a bag with clothing and essentials.
Shut off air conditioning and fans.
Shut all windows and doors before leaving.
If you have time, gather paperwork and photographs that cannot be replaced.
Outside the house
Gather flammable items and bring them inside (patio furniture, children’s toys, door mats, trash cans, etc.).
Move propane barbecue appliances away from structures.
Connect garden hoses to outside water valves or spigots for use by firefighters.
Fill water buckets and place them around the house.
Don’t leave sprinklers or water running; this can affect critical water pressure.
Leave exterior lights on so your home is visible to firefighters in the smoke or darkness of night.
Back your car into the driveway with vehicle loaded and all doors and windows closed. Carry your car keys with you.
Animals
Locate your pets and keep them nearby.
Prepare livestock for transport and plan to move them to a safe location early.
Pack food and medications for your pets.
Insurance
Take pictures of the interior of your house to remember and document personal possessions.
Determine what is sentimental and can’t be replaced.
Donations
Community Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado is accepting monetary donations for Community Emergency Relief Fund. This fund is set up for broad-based community emergencies in Southwest Colorado. The Advisory Committee is working with government agencies and local businesses to develop a strategy for distributing the funds raised. Efforts will support local people and efforts related to 416 Fire. To donate to CERF, residents can send a check to The Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1673, Durango, CO 81302 or donate online at www.swcommunityfoundation.org
Donations of clothing and household items accepted at Discover Goodwill of Durango, 1230 Escalante Drive.
Financial donations can be made to the Community Emergency Relief Fund by calling (970) 375-5807.
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