Firefighters use burnouts to outsmart 416 Fire

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Firefighters use burnouts to outsmart 416 Fire

Blaze grows to 22,130 acres; more homes on pre-evacuation; public lands to close
Firefighters monitor flames during a burnout operation Monday south of County Road 202 in the Hermosa area. The burnout removes fuel from the 416 Fire, which was last reported at 22,130 acres and 10 percent contained.

Firefighters use burnouts to outsmart 416 Fire

Firefighters monitor flames during a burnout operation Monday south of County Road 202 in the Hermosa area. The burnout removes fuel from the 416 Fire, which was last reported at 22,130 acres and 10 percent contained.
What you need to know

Evacuation and shelter centersEscalante Middle School, 141 Baker Lane in Durango. Open 24 hours a day.Silverton Town Hall, 1360 Greene St., in Silverton. Open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.Those affected by evacuations must check in at an evacuation site to receive resident credentials. This is crucial for preparedness, identifying and securing resources for evacuees, and for return access when fire conditions become safe.
Community resourcesLa Plata County government hotline for residents evacuating: (970) 385-8700.Livestock can be evacuated to La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave.Four Corners Back Country Horsemen will assist with horse and livestock evacuations, call (570) 228-1340.The Browning Ranch in Farmington volunteered to host horses during evacuations. Call Chris Maedche (505) 681-3595.Small animals can be evacuated to La Plata County Humane Society, 111 South Camino del Rio.Tips for pre-evacuationFor people who received a pre-evacuation notice, these steps can improve their safety and expedite departure should an evacuation become necessary.
Inside the houseGather medications.Pack a bag with clothing and essentials.Shut off air conditioning and fans.Shut all windows and doors before leaving.If you have time, gather paperwork and photographs that cannot be replaced.Outside the houseGather flammable items and bring them inside (patio furniture, children’s toys, door mats, trash cans, etc.).Move propane barbecue appliances away from structures. Connect garden hoses to outside water valves or spigots for use by firefighters. Fill water buckets and place them around the house.Don’t leave sprinklers or water running; this can affect critical water pressure.Leave exterior lights on so your home is visible to firefighters in the smoke or darkness of night.Back your car into the driveway with vehicle loaded and all doors and windows closed. Carry your car keys with you.AnimalsLocate your pets and keep them nearby.Prepare livestock for transport and plan to move them to a safe location early.Pack food and medications for your pets.InsuranceTake pictures of the interior of your house to remember and document personal possessions.Determine what is sentimental and can’t be replaced.DonationsCommunity Foundation Serving Southwest Colorado is accepting monetary donations for Community Emergency Relief Fund. This fund is set up for broad-based community emergencies in Southwest Colorado. The Advisory Committee is working with government agencies and local businesses to develop a strategy for distributing the funds raised. Efforts will support local people and efforts related to 416 Fire. To donate to CERF, residents can send a check to The Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1673, Durango, CO 81302 or donate online at www.swcommunityfoundation.orgDonations of clothing and household items accepted at Discover Goodwill of Durango, 1230 Escalante Drive.Financial donations can be made to the Community Emergency Relief Fund by calling (970) 375-5807.

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