The Weston Pass Fire located in Fairplay, CO in Park County is now a mandatory evacuation zone for all campers, hikers and residents of the area. This is unfortunate for many reasons but most notably due to the Holiday week where many campers have set up to enjoy Independence Day festivities in the high country of the Rocky Mountains.
The fire is burning southwest of Fairplay, between Highway 285 and County Road 5 south of County Road 22 has already claimed one structure and many more are threatened as the fire has now grown to more than 6,000 acres and only a mere 10% contained.
Mandatory evacuations have been issued for Black Mountain south of County Road 22 along with Thousands Peaks, as well as the Campground of the Rockies. Residents have been advised to leave immediately.
SOUND ON: We're fighting fire with fire."
Officials are giving information in regard to the #WestonPassFire which has burned more than 6,000 acres and damaged at least one home, forcing mandatory evacuations as of Monday morning. pic.twitter.com/G76xFkFcnc
— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) July 2, 2018
This isn’t the only fire of concern leading into the 4th Of July Celebrations. The southwest has been under extreme to exceptional drought stricken conditions since early this year which is unfortunately leading to the ignition of many of other area wildfires across the southwestern US.
Due to the ongoing dry fuels across the southwest, Colorado has already completely banned all types of fireworks threatening hefty fines if you’re caught igniting residential fireworks.
This is still a developing story. We will continue to keep this page updated as we learn more about the Weston Pass Fire. Stay with WeatherNation for the latest.
Meteorologist Merry Matthews