SALIDA, Colo. — The Decker Fire burning outside Salida continued to grow rapidly Thursday. In an update published about 8 p.m., officials estimated the fire at 5,348 acres. As of Wednesday morning, it had burned 3,746 acres.
At 7 a.m. Thursday, a Type 1 Incident Management Team took over command of the fire.
Mark Giacoletto, with the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team, said at least one home was damaged in the fire. However, he could not say how extensive the damage is.
According to mapping of the fire, the northernmost portions of the burn area are approximately 3.5 miles south of Salida.
The fire is less than 5% contained.
A total of 259 personnel are assigned to the fire. Officials say that number will likely rise.
Firefighters will continue working overnight into Friday.
According to the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office, the following subdivisions are included in the mandatory evacuation zone:
- Methodist Mountain Estates
- Boot Hill
- Pinon Ridge Estates
- Fawn Ridge subdivision
- Mountain Vista Village
An evacuation center has been established at the First United Methodist Church of Salida: 228 E. Fourth St., Salida, 81201.
The fire was started by lightning on Sept. 8.