More mandatory evacuations issued in Ferris Fire burning in southwestern Colorado

More mandatory evacuations were issued Friday by the Dolores Office of Emergency Management in the Ferris Fire. Zones 14A and 14B were under mandatory evacuations around 1:30 p.m. That includes Dolores County Road H.6 north to CR E and CR 8.7 east to Canyon Rim, and CR E north to County Line and Highway 141 east to Canyon Rim.

There is a mandatory check in for residents at the evacuation center at Dolores County Senior Center at 8600 Road 7.2 in Dove Creek. 

Some people living in the far western portion of San Miguel County have been notified to be on "ready" status to prepare for a possible evacuation due to recent fire behavior associated with the Ferris Fire. Gov. Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency due to the fire earlier this week.

The fire has burned 62,916 acres and was 19% contained on Friday. Lightning caused the fire burning approximately 15 miles northwest of Dolores, Colorado, on the San Juan National Forest on June 27.

The affected area for pre-evacuation includes all areas east of Highway 141 from the top of Slick Rock Hill to the San Miguel–Dolores County line. Fire officials said there is currently no fire burning anywhere in San Miguel County.

The notification is a precautionary measure intended to help residents prepare should conditions change. 

The Far Draw, Doe Canyon and Ferris Fires began on June 27 before they merged together and are being referred to as the Ferris Fire. 

California Incident Management Team 7 took command of the fire from San Juan National Forest Team 8 on Tuesday.