Three Lightning Fires Merge into Ferris Fire, Burning Over 15,800 Acres in San Juan National Forest

Overview

• Multiple lightning-started fires that ignited on June 27 have merged and are being managed as the Ferris Fire, which officials reported at more than 15,888 acres with 0% containment.
• Fire managers are using air attack, large air tankers and helicopters to drop retardant while crews work to build anchor points where winds allow.
• Dolores and Montezuma counties have issued evacuations and pre-evacuations for private lands including Glade Ranch and the lower Dolores River corridor, and the Forest Service has closed dozens of roads and trails through December 31 to protect the public and firefighters.
• Values at risk include private homes, ranching assets and Forest Service structures such as Benchmark Lookout Tower, and the Forest is coordinating moves of livestock and equipment and performing structure protection.
• The National Weather Service has declared a 'Particularly Dangerous Situation' for red-flag conditions, and high regional demand for aircraft has delayed infrared mapping and limited safe aviation operations, which could slow situational awareness and suppression progress.