Wild Fires

[Horsley65]

I hear that the wild fires are about a 100 miles south of Telluride . What is the process if there an evacuation ?

[TellurideTom]

I wouldn't worry about it.

The powers that be have an action plan if it comes to it I'm sure.

[FaceOnMars]

I wouldn't worry about it either, but it's closer than 100 miles (probably 30-40 as the crow flies).    Depending upon the progress (or lack thereof) and weather / winds during the festival, it's possible there could be poor air quality. 

I noticed it on Saturday in Ophir, but it rained yesterday and the smoke wasn't really present (nor this morning) ... but that can change.    Noticed there are intermittent closures of 550 ... so if anyone is planning on jeeping into the area by heading north on 550 from Durango (Ophir, Black Bear, Imogene passes), you might want to pay attention to road closures.

[FaceOnMars]

No smoke in Ophir this morning, but learned there's another fire the region now; like the 416 fire, it's still a bit removed from Telluride area, but close enough:

https://twitter.com/hashtag/BurroFire?src=hash

.... looks to be northeast of Mancos & northwest of Hesperus and west of the current 416 (Hermosa) fire.

[alexbarbosa42]

Will certainly be something to keep an eye on with conditions getting worse. The Burro fire is going to make things hazy for a while in Telluride

[Pass Port]

Should be good sunrise and sunsets   

[meanderingjeeper]

Lots of smoke and haze in the valley today from the new Bear Creek (?) fire outside of rico...hard to see imogene at times

 Listening to: Creedence

[Cindy Lou]

It's way closer than 100 miles. I live 80 miles from Telluride. There are 2 fires, the 416 in Durango, it is BAD, almost 10,000 acres burned. The Burro fire is closer to Rico and not as big but still bad. I can see it from my house. To say don't worry about it is perhaps accurate, but be prepared just in case. There is one way in and one way out of Telluride. The 416 is moving west and south, but the wind is bad today and if it moves north it can easily pop over the hill and come down near Telluride. If ANYONE has issues with COPD or other lung issues, I strongly suggest you monitor the fire and make an informed decision as to whether or not your health is worth risking for a festival. Mine sure isn't.

 Listening to: Phil live at TXR

[alexbarbosa42]

416 doubled in size overnight. holy crap.

[landshark]

416 doubled in size overnight. holy crap.

Yep getting concerned...closed 550. It is a big one. My heart goes out to the Firecrews. It is very hot here in CO and must be very difficult to fight this one.

Starting to worry some.

[FaceOnMars]

Still not "worried", but concerned (for all).   Like mj mentioned, yesterday during the afternoon was the smokiest I've seen it in Ophir since the 416 started ... with the new Burro being a little closer and contributing to the mix.    The pattern I've seen (which can easily change dramatically at any time) near Telluride is to see a build up of smoke during the day and then afternoon winds help remove smoke quite a bit; however, I can't help but believe these same winds are fanning the fire itself at the source; making the next day's cycle that much more intense.

Cindy Lou is right about people with COPD or lung issues (as well as cardio).  I've got some minor issues, but have been careful not to exert myself when it's smokey & have a new air purifier ordered and on the way.   Not looking to scare anyone, but recent developments have kicked me in the butt re: "emergency plan" (doesn't hurt to be prepared).   Here's an official release from the Sheriff yesterday:

https://www.sanmiguelcountyco.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=292

... and yeah, my thoughts are also with the fire crews, must be very intense to say the least!

[alexbarbosa42]

Today's conditions are set for more growth. Wouldn't be surprised if it hits 25,000 acres by the end of the day. Keeping a sharp eye on the weather and information from all agencies. I am planning on coming up to Telluride Thursday from Baton Rouge, LA.

[Cindy Lou]

Today's conditions are set for more growth. Wouldn't be surprised if it hits 25,000 acres by the end of the day. Keeping a sharp eye on the weather and information from all agencies. I am planning on coming up to Telluride Thursday from Baton Rouge, LA.

Bring rain please. This is the best source for information. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5822/

[alexbarbosa42]

Today's conditions are set for more growth. Wouldn't be surprised if it hits 25,000 acres by the end of the day. Keeping a sharp eye on the weather and information from all agencies. I am planning on coming up to Telluride Thursday from Baton Rouge, LA.

Bring rain please. This is the best source for information. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5822/

I think I will bring the rain! Moisture coming into SW Colorado late next week. Hope it beats me! It'll help though.

[Pass Port]

Looks like the San Juans are moving to stage 3 fire restrictions on Tuesday. This is a total shut down of the National Forest.

 http://www.westernslopenow.com/news/local-news/entire-san-juan-national-forest-to-be-closed-to-public/1230848678

Cindy Lou or FoM, what are y'all hearing about this? Town Park campground is not in the forest, but wondering what this means for us.

Dustin, what's the word from the Planet?