Gateway to the Silver Thread Volume 85, Number 26
Thursday, June 27, 2013
South Fork, Colorado 81154
50¢
MORSELS Town of South Fork declares disaster Evacuation stays
Business/employee assistance Friday
BY TONI STEFFENS-STEWARD
the town’s ability. Evacuation Due to the nearby fire danger, South Fork was evacuated on Friday, June 21. Residents were given approximately four hours to pack up belongings and relocated to places all around the Valley. Some went just as far as Alpine Village and the Indian Trails subdivision; others have set up camp as far away as Mosca and Adams State
DEL NORTE—For businesses and employees in Mineral and Rio Grande counties affected by the fires, there will be a business and employment disaster assistance center set up Friday, June 28 from 10 a.m.-7p.m. at the Rio Grande County Annex Building (925 6th Street) in Del Norte. More details will be posted as available at www. riograndecounty.org.
DEL NORTE—The South Fork Town Board held an emergency meeting on Monday, June 24 to declare a local disaster, a designation, which may help them qualify for federal aid funding. The resolution numbered 1314 claims that the fire complex is threatening the residents and visitors to town and that the resources necessary to fight the disaster exceed Please see DISASTER on Page 11A
Saturday’s Rock the Rio Grande canceled
Beautiful South Fork sits untouched by flames still lurking four to five miles away, as of yesterday morning (June 26).
SOUTH FORK—Round one of the Rock the Rio Grande Series is canceled for this Saturday due to the West Fork Fire. Watch for updates on upcoming dates.
Fire news online SOUTH FORK—For frequent updates on the West Fork Complex Fire, visit www.southforktines.com. We’re doing our best to keep this site updated whenever new information becomes available.
Thank You! On behalf of the San Luis Valley, we would like to thank all those who have played a part in managing, containing and fighting the West Fork Fire Complex. Thank you for your commitment to the safety of one another, your commitment to public service, your professional stewardship of the land and for working with our communities. We are honored to have you protecting our homes.
Valley Publishing
'JSTU "WF r .POUF 7JTUB (719) 852-3531
News tip? Call 852-3531
Photo by John McEvoy
West Fork Fire Complex tops 81,000 acres BY TONI STEFFENS-STEWARD AND JOHN MCEVOY SOUTH FORK —The West Fork Fire Complex continues to burn in forested areas surrounding South Fork and Creede on the western edge of the Valley. Smoke from the three fires, Papoose, West Fork and Windy Pass, has been visible throughout the Valley and beyond for more than one week. The West Fork Fire is still a threat to the town of South Fork; Papoose is inching closer to a number of structures located in Mineral County, and the Windy Pass is closest to the Wolf Creek Ski Area. As of Tuesday morning the fire had still not damaged any known structures and vehicles were allowed to travel along Highway 149 from South Fork to Creede on a metered basis. The cars are escorted by law enforcement personnel to ensure that drivers do not stop along the road or in any way interfere with fire traffic. This route may be interrupted at any time depending on fire conditions Photos by John McEvoy
Please see FIRE on Page 12A A semi-truck travels away from South Fork toward Del Norte last Thursday afternoon.
Dinner benefits Wounded Warriors The Kit Carson Wagon Train and Trail Ride dinner was held June 13 in South Fork with entertainment by The Wild Rose band from Fun Valley. So many attended the event, there was a need to go to Rainbow Grocery to buy more food to satisfy all the hungry people that came to support the Wounded Warriors benefit supper. Photo by John McEvoy