Elkhorn Fire Surges to 314 Acres, Evacuations Expand Near Durango

UPDATE: The Elkhorn Fire near Durango, Colorado, has rapidly expanded to 314 acres, prompting new evacuations as spot fires ignite in the challenging Bear Creek drainage. Fire managers confirmed the latest details in a briefing this morning, highlighting the urgent situation as the fire moves northeast, away from residential areas.

As of this morning, 41 homes were evacuated on Saturday, with additional evacuations now ordered due to the fire’s unpredictable behavior. The U.S. Forest Service is closely monitoring the situation, and forecasts indicate a potential increase in monsoon moisture over the coming days, which could assist firefighting efforts.

Lorena Williams, spokesperson for the U.S. Forest Service, stated that the remote spot fires in Bear Creek pose no immediate threat to homes or infrastructure. “We’re making great progress and sticking with the critical task of protecting homes and infrastructure,” Williams emphasized. However, she noted that the fire’s movement into Bear Creek could extend the incident’s duration, but thankfully, no critical assets are currently at risk.

Firefighters, along with helicopters and air tankers, are actively engaged in controlling the fire. Williams explained that the spot fires were ignited by embers from trees that “torched,” or reached their crown, sending embers into Bear Creek and sparking new fires in the dense vegetation.

“We will be using aircraft to try and check those spot fires because Bear Creek drainage is extremely challenging terrain,” she said. The steep and densely vegetated area makes it dangerous to send firefighters on foot, so aerial support is the priority to prevent further spread.

The Elkhorn Fire began on Saturday afternoon after a house caught fire, quickly spreading to the surrounding hillside due to dry foliage, high temperatures, and winds. Local fire agencies responded immediately, but the conditions allowed for rapid fire growth.

As the situation develops, residents in the surrounding areas are urged to remain vigilant and stay informed of evacuation orders. Fire crews are committed to ensuring the safety of the community while battling this growing blaze.

For those affected, the community is rallying to provide support and resources for evacuation needs. Stay tuned for further updates as firefighting efforts continue throughout the day.