The ground ignition operation in the northeast section of the fire starting yesterday and continued into the night. 

Firefighters are working to burn a 3-mile long stretch next to the Rainbow Trail, which will strengthen the fire line by removing fuels from the fire’s edge.  Helicopters were brought in to keep the trail side of the burn operation wet during the effort.  The operation continues today. 

The spot fire that grew and gained intensity on the southeast corner of the fire, yesterday grew to more than 30 acres.  It is in high, remote wilderness area, and will continue to be monitored.   As a precaution, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office placed Howard residents living in Zone 1 and Zone 2 on pre-evacuation status. 

Active fire conditions are expected today due to low humidity and gusty winds.  There is a Red Flag Fire Warning over the area again today.   

Firefighters will continue today removing 100,000 feet of hose, 150 pumps and 140 portable water tanks.  Activity will be noticed in the once evacuated neighborhoods on Methodist Mountain.

Hotshot crews are cleaning up large downed trees near the fire line along Muddy Creek.

The Decker Fire is listed as 7,326 acres with 15 percent containment. 775 personnel are currently working the fire with the aid of 32 engines, 4 dozers and 9 aircraft. 

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. 

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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.

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