The Decker Fire exploded yesterday, growing to 3,746 acres, a 1,500 acre jump in one day. 

The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office ordered evacuations of several housing developments, a total of some 130 homes.  The evacuation center has been moved from the Chaffee County Fairgrounds to the Methodist Church at 228 East 4th Street.  Evacuees are being urged to check in at the church, officials want to make sure everyone is accounted for. 

Crews continued their assault on the fire on the north side of Methodist Mountain. Dozer crews are creating fire lines parallel to the power lines east of CR 101. Crews conducted burnout operations from CR 108 to CR 106. Helicopters are dropping water on hot spots and heavy aircraft are dropping retardant to protect homes in the area. 

There is no change expected in our current weather pattern. Breezy, dry conditions and low humidity will continue for the next 5 days at least.  

County Roads 104, 107, and 110 above County Road 111 are closed to traffic going up to Methodist Mountain. 

At this time, no structures have been damaged and no injuries have been reported. 

A Type I team will assume command of the fire today. A Type I team brings with it more resources to fight the fire. The Chaffee County Fairgrounds will be the command center and will host over 400 firefighters.      

Chaffee County remains under Stage II Fire Restrictions that prohibit all open fires, including charcoal fires. The only devices allowed are those whose flame is controlled by a valve. 

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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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