We want to offer an update on the wildfire burning north of Durango. As most of you have already heard, the 416 Fire began on June 1 and continues to burn approximately 10 miles north of town. Multiple firefighting agencies are doing an amazing job battling the fire. Although evacuations are in effect for communities near the fire, Durango and Fort Lewis College are not threatened. Campus remains open to students and visitors are we are looking forward to our summer programs and fall semester.
Campus tours continue to be held, though the tour times have been moved to the afternoon, beginning at 1:30 p.m. This is because smoke can be a factor in Durango in the mornings, but typically eases as the day goes on. Instead of meeting at Kroeger Hall, the campus tours will start from Berndt Hall, Rm. 240 (the building adjacent to Kroeger Hall). Parking is available outside Kroeger Hall, in front of Berndt Hall, or in the Education Business Hall lot. View a campus map.
The College is working with area emergency response groups and have offered campus services, if needed. Within the next few days, FLC will be housing some of the hundreds of firefighters working to keep us safe.
At times, the smoke can be heavy. San Juan Basin Public Health recommends "limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion; everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion." View the full smoke advisory.
Highway 550 north of Durango has limited access only at certain times announced by La Plata County. Travelers may want to consider the westerly alternate route through Colorado Highway 145, Lizard Head Pass.
The latest information on the fire can be found online:
Twitter: @LaPlataCountyCO
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LaPlataCounty
To receive emergency notifications, including evacuation and pre-evacuation notices, on your cell phone or via email, copy this address into your web browser: bit.ly/CodeRed_signup.