West Fork Complex fire crowning, burning beetle-kill Tuesday

Kieran Nicholson
The Denver Post

CREEDE, CO - JUNE 25: Betty Nicholopoulos wears a mask as she does laundry with Sheryl Forrester as the Papoose fire continues to burn near Creede. The three fires that make up the West Fork Complex fire now top out at more than 70 thousand acres. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
*DP | THE DENVER POST*

Extreme behavior stoked the West Fork Complex fire in southwestern Colorado Tuesday afternoon, with crowning fire sweeping through large stands of bug-killed timber.

South Fork, Wagon Wheel Gap, and an area south of Creede on the south side of Colorado State Highway 149 remain under evacuation, and Creede is under a pre-evacuation notice, fire officials said.

Trees and groups of trees are torching in the fire and there are crown runs, when fire jumps from tree top to tree top, as well.

Read more: West Fork Complex fire crowning, burning beetle-kill Tuesday – The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_23534995/west-fork-complex-fire-likely-grow-tuesday-wind#ixzz2XGvSlTDf

Support Local Journalism

As a Summit Daily News reader, you make our work possible.

Now more than ever, your financial support is critical to help us keep our communities informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having on our residents and businesses. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference.

Your donation will be used exclusively to support quality, local journalism.

Start a dialogue, stay on topic and be civil.
If you don't follow the rules, your comment may be deleted.

User Legend: Moderator Trusted User