By Thursday afternoon, Wednesdays raging, wind-driven Roatcap Fire was nothing but smoldering ash and smoke.
Firefighters were busy mopping up the fire Thursday and were able to keep the fire from growing over 400 acres. The fire was reported just before 11 a.m. on Wednesday.
It is in mop up stage, said Sheriff Dennis Spruell, while pointing out hot spots. It hasnt grown any today.
A community meeting was scheduled at the Dolores Community Center Thursday night and Spruell was expecting to lift the evacuation orders, allowing only residents to return.
Only people that live in the area are allowed in, Spruell said. The reasons for that is because we want to protect others property and we dont want looting.
Spruell took media on tours of the fire area on Thursday. The fire started in Simon Draw and was likely caused by someone who dumped ash or burned trash on a windy day.
There is no estimate on the cost of the fire.
The fireman did a fantastic job, he said.
The fire zipped up the canyon and raced across hay fields. It came close to a few homes, but no structures were lost. The closest thing to a structure lost was a power pole, which was quickly replaced by Empire Electric.
County commissioners have asked me if we should reinstate the burn ban, Spruell said. I dont think so. This part of the canyon on this particular day was ripe for a fire.
Spruell said the mopping up stage is critical and although the fire looks like it is out, it could still start again and put everyone in danger.
We are not done yet and we are not out of danger, he said.
The fire came within 100 or so feet of some homes.
We were afraid we might loose some houses, Spruell said, pointing to a home perched on the side of the canyon.
Meanwhile, a Dolores resident, John McHenry was arrested for assault on a peace officer. He allegedly hit an officer at a road block because he would not let him into his home, Spruell said.
Why Roatcap?
It is the name of the person who used to live near the fires origin.