Dolores River

The Town of Mancos has ended its evacuation orders, but warns that flooding may have left hazardous conditions. Separate evacuation notices remain in effect for other locations in Montezuma County.

The moisture pouring from the sky last week washed out bridges and roads, damaged homes and businesses, and forced people to evacuate their homes. However, it also greatly improved the drought situation in the Four Corners.

Congressman Jeff Hurd of Colorado’s Third District spoke with constituents at a small, friendly gathering in Towaoc on Friday.

Post-fire specialists are assessing soil damage, debris flows and watershed risks after the Ferris Fire, as parts of the burned landscape begin to recover.

Colorado Sen. John Hickenlooper would like to see a new political party called the Agriculture First Party. That was one of the comments he made on a hot Thursday afternoon at an overlook to McPhee Reservoir.

Ferris Fire officials say crews are shifting from active suppression to mop-up and suppression repair. Forest Service and BLM closures remain in place, and officials warn burned areas will have new hazards when they reopen.

Officials say wetter weather is helping moderate fire behavior, but thunderstorms may still bring lightning, heavy rain and erratic winds.

Thunderstorms and higher humidity are helping moderate fire behavior on the Babylon and Ferris fires, but officials say lightning, outflow winds and debris flows remain possible.

As the Ferris Fire burns through Dolores River Canyon, local river advocates are raising concerns about old-growth ponderosa pines, low flows, native fish, sediment, recreation access and long-term ecological impacts.

The Ferris Fire northwest of Dolores is more than 56,000 acres and 22% contained. At a Dove Creek meeting, officials explained how steep terrain, dry fuels, weather and limited access are shaping the firefighting strategy.