Officials in Costilla County say they arrested one man on arson charges for the Spring Fire. The Spring Fire has grown yet again, sitting at more than 38,000 acres.
Officials say hot temperatures, wind and dry conditions fueled the fire on Friday. Crews worked on the east side of the fire near La Veta Pass to build a fire line with the help of air tankers and helicopters.
The Cuchara Valley area was evacuated Friday after the fire crossed Highway 160. That highway and Highway 12 are closed with no estimated time of reopening.
A community meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. for evacuees at the Blanca/Fort Garland Community Center at 17591 E Highway 160.
#SpringFire Those affected by evacuations must check to receive resident credentials. Re-Entry Identification will be required for evacuees to re-enter when the evacuations are lifted.
– SLVEmergency (@SLVEmergency) June 30, 2018
Map of the Spring Fire on June 29.
Firefighters say the southeaster side of the fire will be difficult because of steep, rocky terrain and large amounts of dead timber.
The Spring Fire
The sheriff’s office say they hope to know more about any lost structures in the next several days.
While temperatures are slightly cooler Saturday, officials are concerned about strong, erratic wind speeds.
The fire burning east of Fort Garland is not contained.
The La Veta Fire Protection District and the Red Cross are not currently accepting in kind donations for the Spring Fire at this time. Monetary donations may be made to The La Veta Fire Protection District, PO Box 44, La Veta, CO 81055.
Wildfire Resources
– Visit CBSDenver.com’s Living With Wildfire section.
Wildfire Photo Galleries
– See images from the most destructive wildfires (Black Forest, Waldo Canyon, High Park and Fourmile), the deadliest (Storm King) and largest wildfire (Hayman) in Colorado history.
