wildfire

Dolores trustees are considering wildfire building standards and have approved water project financing and a downtown rezoning.

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.

The city moved forward with its professional show at Parque de Vida while Mancos, Rico and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe canceled fireworks because of fire conditions.

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 Babylon Fire southwest of Monticello is 103,633 acres and 25% contained. Officials say crews are focused on the fire’s eastern edge, where layers of defense are being built west of town.

The Babylon Fire southwest of Monticello is about 102,900 acres and 21% contained. Crews are prioritizing the Indian Creek and Twin Peaks area after active overnight burning.

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.