Photo courtesy Reg Larkin
The West Fork Fire, burning 14 miles northeast of Pagosa Springs, grew to approximately 25 acres this afternoon. The fire, which started by lightning on June 5th, is burning in steep, rugged terrain near the wilderness boundary approximately a mile and a half west of the West Fork trailhead.
The fire is three quarters of a mile west of private property at Borns Lake; however southerly winds are currently pushing the fire in a northerly direction. There are no structures threatened at this time.
Smoke will be visible from Highway 160, and night-time smoke is expected to settle into the West Fork area. For public and firefighter safety, recreation on the West Fork Trail (561) is discouraged at this time.
Fire managers have ordered additional resources; a Type 3 incident commander arrived this afternoon as well as a ten person Type 2 hand crew and one Type 6 engine.