Immediate evacuations were ordered yesterday for homes in the path of the Decker Fire after it jumped containment lines.

Residences of Bear Creek and Silver Heels Drives and the two residences on the private drive just west of Silver Heels in Chaffee County along with residences if Wellsville and Swissvale in Fremont County were all evacuated. 

Residents of Methodist Estates and Boot Hill remain under pre-evacuation status, as does all of Howard.  Zones 1, 2 and 3 in Howard are under pre-evacuation notice.   

An evacuation center has been set up at the United Methodist Church in Salida.  All evacuated residents of Chaffee and Fremont Counties are asked to go to the United Methodist Church in Salida to check in with authorities so all can be accounted for. 

Just after 12 noon yesterday, the Decker Fire jumped the Rainbow Trail near Bear Creek.  This happened as crews were working on lines to hold the fire west of the trail.  The fire is burning northeast in the Bear Creek area.  Firefighters have been pulled from the fire line.

An air tanker has been requested to drop retardant.

Another spot fire began over the weekend in a remote wilderness area about 6 miles from Howard.  Firefighters are putting in more contingency lines around Howard.  More structure protection crews are also expected in Howard. 

Highway 50 is still open, but motorists are advised to drive slowly by the fire.    

The Decker Fire is listed today at 8,118 acres with 30 percent containment.  755 firefighting personnel are currently working the fire using 30 engines, 4 dozers and 9 aircraft. 

An Air Quality Health advisory has been issued due to the smoke from the fire.  

The Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, along with Chaffee and Fremont Counties all remain under Stage II Fire Restrictions

Multiple road closures remain in effect around the Decker Fire in Chaffee, Fremont and Saguache Counties. 

The Colorado Department of Transportation has issued a speed reduction of 40 mph on Highway 50 east of Salida and on Highway 285 south out of Poncha Springs over Poncha Pass. 

• Author
• Recent Posts

Dan R

Danny “Dan R” Ridenour has been in radio and television broadcasting for over 40 years, starting as a senior in high school in Rogers, Arkansas. His radio career has had stops in Nashville, Memphis, Oklahoma, and eventually, Colorado. Dan enjoys being involved in the community, having been a member of the Upper Arkansas Service Club and is currently on the board of directors for the Salida Community Center and is a member of the Chaffee County Fair Committee. He and his wife Carrie spend their days doing everything the mountains have to offer: hiking, camping, fishing and skiing. They've raised 3 children and have 2 grandchildren.

Latest posts by Dan R (see all)

• Thursday, April 18th Weather - April 18, 2024
• Thursday is the Deadline to Apply for Valley Visions - April 17, 2024