Updated Sunday, June 28, at 7:30 a.m.
Firefighters are managing three rapidly growing wildfires together in western Montezuma and Dolores counties after extreme fire behavior pushed major growth Saturday.
The Ferris Fire, Far Draw Fire and Doe Canyon Fire are burning north and northeast of Pleasant View, near the Dolores and Montezuma county line.
As of Sunday morning, preliminary perimeter mapping showed the Ferris Fire at nearly 4,800 acres. The Far Draw Fire was estimated at about 650 acres, and the Doe Canyon Fire was estimated at about 385 acres.
Level 3, or GO, evacuation orders remain in place for the Glade Ranch Subdivision, Lone Dome Road, Bradfield Bridge Campground and Forest Road 521 toward McPhee Reservoir. An emergency shelter is available at the Pleasant View Firehouse (15235 County Rd CC, Pleasant View, CO 81331).
Fire officials said crews observed extreme fire behavior Saturday and were not able to safely engage the fires from the ground because of dangerous conditions. Aviation efforts were also stopped after high winds made flying unsafe.
A night shift remained on scene overnight to monitor fire growth and assess structures. Firefighters are expected to hold a morning briefing Sunday to develop a plan to engage the fires as conditions allow.
The San Juan Type 3 Incident Management Team has taken command of the Ferris, Far Draw and Doe Canyon fires.
Additional wildfires are also burning in southeastern Utah. The Babylon Fire west of Blanding remains active at about 300 acres, while the Horse Head Fire east of Blanding has grown to about 750 acres.
Residents are urged to check evacuation information from Dolores County, Montezuma County and local emergency management agencies for the latest updates. Conditions can change quickly.
People should avoid closed roads, stay out of evacuation areas and be prepared to leave immediately if ordered.
Fire danger remains high across the region. A Red Flag Warning is in effect Sunday for gusty winds, low humidity and dry fuels. Fire restrictions and burn bans are also in place across much of southwest Colorado and the Four Corners.
