Local authorities issued a mandatory evacuation order Saturday night for several areas north of Ouray due to a large wildfire. The measure affects residents in areas close to County Road 14, as the fire advances quickly.
Public security agencies urged residents and visitors to leave the area immediately. The area under evacuation includes Panoramic Heights, Lake Lenore, County Road 14A and all other locations along County Road 14.
“If you choose to ignore this order, you must understand that emergency services will not be available and there is a high chance that you will not be rescued,” Ouray County Civil Defense stated on its official Facebook page. The statement added that “Volunteers will NOT be permitted to enter the area to provide assistance.”
Glenn Boyd, emergency manager for Ouray County, told the Plaindealer newspaper around 8 p.m. that the fire now covered about 50 acres and continued to expand.
Boyd highlighted the difficulties teams face, stating that “we are having gusty winds. It’s not constant, but we are definitely having gusts.”
A temporary shelter center was established at the Ouray County 4-H Event Center and Fairgrounds in Ridgway, located at 22739 US 550, to serve anyone in need of shelter.
The Ouray County Sheriff’s Office had ordered the first evacuations around 6:45 p.m. Saturday. This occurred less than two hours after firefighters from Ridgway and Ouray began fighting the Gold Mountain Fire, which began below the Gold Mountain Ranch near the Bachelor Syracuse Mine area on Rural Road 14 when a tree fell onto a power line.
Ouray County Sheriff Justin Perry made a request for air support to the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control. Authorities’ plans include using water from Lake Lenore to help fight the flames. At least three federal forest fire trucks were also called and are already on site.
Representatives of the San Miguel Power Association reported that they are de-energizing power lines in the region, an essential measure to ensure safety and try to contain the progression of the fire.
The fire broke out on a day of strong winds and extremely dry weather in Ouray County, which was under red alert throughout the journey. This alarming scenario intensifies the local debate about the safety of public events, leading some residents to request the cancellation of the traditional Independence Day fireworks display in the city of Ouray, given the imminent risk.
The public is strongly encouraged to register to receive emergency alerts directly to their cell phones by texting the word “ourayalerts” to the number 65513.
First pre-evacuation warnings for areas north of Ouray
At 8:22 p.m., authorities issued a pre-evacuation warning for Peck’s Trailer Park and the Red Stone Road area. These locations are located further north of the main focus of the Gold Mountain Fire, along US 550.
A pre-evacuation warning means that residents in the area should be aware of the possibility of an evacuation order being issued at any time, given the dangerous conditions, and need to be ready to leave, gathering family members and essential supplies.
Officials said they are working to establish a hotline as quickly as possible at 970-626-5484.
Mandatory evacuation order is extended
At 8:58 p.m., a mandatory evacuation order was issued for Peck’s Trailer Park and the Red Stone Road area. This region is further north of the Gold Mountain Fire, along the route of US 550.
Authorities reinforced the alert, warning that anyone in these areas is at risk and should leave the area immediately.
Pet assistance available at shelters
At 9:18 p.m., Nick Gilman, executive director of the Second Chance Humane Society, announced that the organization is ready to assist evacuees at the Ouray County 4-H Fair and Event Center.
Second Chance advises owners to keep their pets with them, but offered help with carriers or food if necessary. Gilman pointed out that as a last resort for animals separated from their owners, Second Chance can take in dogs and cats at its shelter on County Road 10, north of Ridgway.
Closure of section of US 550 and alternative routes
Around 9:30 p.m., US 550 was closed between the city of Ouray and the Whispering Pines neighborhood, located north of the urban area, according to information from the Ouray County Sheriff’s Office.
Traffic is being rerouted across the Whispering Pines Bridge, along Municipal Road 17 and Seventh Avenue into the city. Authorities have asked motorists to drive with extreme caution on the detours as the route will be used by vehicles in both directions.
Power supply interrupted in neighborhoods of Ouray
At 9:47 pm, Ouray City Hall announced that the power supply would be interrupted in the neighborhoods of Waterview and Chautauqua, in the north of the city. The measure aims to support firefighting operations and ensure public safety.
Evacuation center relocates to Ridgway High School
At 10:18 p.m., to address temporary shelter needs, the evacuation center was moved from the Ouray County 4-H Event Center and Fairgrounds to Ridgway High School, located at 1200 Green Street.
Jennifer Peterson, spokeswoman for Ouray County, said approximately 40 people had already arrived at the evacuation center. However, the exact number of people evacuated from their homes remains uncertain, as many may have chosen to stay with friends or family rather than resort to shelter.
Federal team takes over combat and fire situation in Lake Lenore
According to an update at 10:50 p.m., Ouray County administrator Antonio Mendez told the Plaindealer newspaper that a federal critical incident management team would take over firefighting operations on Sunday.
Mendez detailed that the Gold Mountain fire shows signs of abating in some areas, but continues to progress towards the Lake Lenore region, which has already been evacuated. He also mentioned that despite orders, at least one resident refused to leave the area.
Authorities had planned to send aircraft to fight the fire on Saturday, but persistent high winds grounded flights. A fixed-wing aircraft and two helicopters have been requested and are expected to arrive on Sunday, although the forecast indicates intense winds again.
New pre-evacuation warning for Municipal Road 17
At 11:16 p.m., a pre-evacuation warning was issued for County Road 17, covering the area between Whispering Pines and Black Lake. Residents of this region are advised to gather medicines, important documents and other essential items, remaining prepared to evacuate at any time.
