Single Publication

Chris Mountain Fire Update 

July 9, 2023, 9am 

Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team Three 

Matt Spring, Incident Commander  

Date Reported: June 28, 2023 

Cause: Lightning 

Size: 511 acres (no change) 

Containment: 78% (up 20%) 

Total Personnel: 389 

Location: 12 Mile west-northwest of Pagosa Springs, CO 

Current Situation: 

Crews successfully completed mop up operations on the western flank of the Chris Mountain Fire. Crews and engines will actively patrol this portion of the fire.  

Firefighters on the eastern flank also completed a significant amount of mop up. These efforts resulted in a 20% increase in containment of the fire. Today, three crews will continue to secure the Devil Creek drainage. 

Infrared technology is being used as a tool to assist firefighters in locating hotspots to be extinguished. Rocks and granite slopes make fireline construction difficult on the north end of the fire. Today, crews will work to eliminate hotspots and secure this portion of uncontained fireline.  

The hard work of firefighters on the south end of the fire has resulted in minimal heat remaining in the uncontained fireline north of Snow Angel Ranch. Crews will stay in the area to patrol and mop up ensuring this area is secure.  

Suppression repair will continue in the coming days, utilizing chipping and excavation equipment. These efforts will be focused on the FS road 681. 

Weather & Fire Behavior: Temperatures will be in the upper 80’s with hot and dry conditions. Winds are forecasted to decrease in the coming days and conditions will stay hot and dry. A threat of dry thunderstorms with erratic outflows are likely tomorrow. Today ends a five-day Red Flag Warning streak. Vegetation has dried out increasing the potential for new fire starts that could result in rapid growth. 

Closures: San Juan National Forest has a closure order in effect: https://bit.ly/ChrisMountainFireClosure 

Evacuations: For evacuation information please visit Archuleta County Emergency Operations website. You may also find evacuation information on their Facebook page or call the Chris Mountain Evacuees Call Center: at 970-264-8373. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A TFR is in place. TFR link: tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_3_9743.html 

Fire Information Phoneline: (970) 549-8799 Hours: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm 

Facebook:www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094353994683Email:2023.chrismountain@firenet.gov 

InciWeb:inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/cosjf-chris-mountain-fire