Single Publication

Evacuation notice has been issued for nearby residents

PAGOSA SPRINGS, Colo., 17 May, 2022—The Plumtaw Fire is burning 7 miles north of Pagosa Springs, 2 miles west of the intersections of Plumtaw and Fourmile Roads. An evacuation notice has been issued for the Lost Valley of the San Juans, located in Mineral County, CO. For evacuation information, contact the Archuleta County Emergency Operations Call Center at 970-422-7084. The fire area will be closed to the public, including Fourmile Road (NFSR 645) at the forest boundary, and Plumtaw Road (NFSR 634) from the junction of McManus Road (NFSR 633). This closure includes Fourmile Falls Trailhead.

The Plumtaw Fire was most recently mapped at over 600 acres and growing. Multiple Large Air Tankers (LATs), one lead plane, an air attack platform, and 3 helicopters have worked this afternoon and evening with ground crews to suppress the fire. A Type 3 Incident Management Team will be taking command of the incident, and a Complex Incident Management Team (formerly referred to as a Type I or II Team) has been ordered along with additional resources and crews. Resources from multiple state, federal, county, and municipal agencies are working in close coordination.

The Forest Service was notified about the fire at approximately 1 PM on May 17th and is burning in Ponderosa pine, Gambel oak, and mixed conifer. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The San Juan National Forest is planning to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions no later than May 25th. More information is to come this week on fire restriction implementation.