During a presentation at the Custer County Search and Rescue Building, local fire officials stated that the 60-acre fire on Thursday morning (March 19) is 75% contained and now smoldering.
Wet Mountain Fire Chief Jeremiah Coleman explained that crews were in the dense part of the forest in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, trying to put out smoldering trees and underbrush. These types of operations take time to make sure hotspots don’t flare up later. No structures were lost in the fire
Coleman stated that the roughly 10 homes along Country Road 179 are still under mandatory evacuation. However, homeowners south of 179 in the Pines Ranch area will be allowed to return around noon today. However, this could change if conditions on the ground change.
Jon Beyer, CEO of Sangre de Cristo Electric, announced that a 50-foot aspen tree fell across the power line and brought it to the ground. When the line tried to reset itself, it sparked, igniting the dry grass. Crews with Sangre de Cristo Electric restored power to most of the area except for where the line was fully downed and serves only one home.
Beyer did state that they will be setting the Sangre de Cristo electrical grid to a more sensitive setting, which means the more frequent and longer power outages might become more common. When the system detects a short, the line will not be reenergized until crews make a visual inspection of the entire line.
The record-dry, warm winter has made grasses and forests historically dry for March. Residents and visitors are reminded to be careful with any sparks or even hot mufflers from a vehicle on dry grass. The weather forecast for the next two weeks shows no signs of moisture, and temperatures will rise into the 70s.
Jordan Hedberg
