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 La Jara, CO — May 28, 2022 – The Menkhaven Fire was reported around 3:00 today near milepost 20 on Colorado State Highway 17 at the Menkhaven subdivision approximately 18 miles west of Antonito, CO. The subdivision was evacuated along with all homes north of highway 17 between Horca and Fox Creek according to San Luis Valley Emergency Management. The Aspen Glade campground on the Conejos Peak Ranger District has been placed on pre-evacuation standby. Highway 17 is closed in the area.

The fire is burning in a steep canyon in mixed conifer fuels with brush and aspen. The size of the fire was mapped at approximately 197 acres in the early evening by the Multi-Mission Aircraft. Numerous engines from Conejos County, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control, and the Rio Grande National Forest are on scene, working to suppress the fire. Air tankers were ordered and are enroute. The helicopter that was ordered was grounded due to high winds. A Type 3 Incident Commander has assumed command. Hot shot crews and various overhead resources have also been ordered.

Forest Road #101 has been closed at Fox Creek and the forest boundary north of Horca.

The Rio Grande National Forest is in Stage 1 fire restrictions. No campfires are allowed, unless in developed recreations sites. See the full restrictions here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/riogrande/notices/?cid=STELPRDB5143145

We will continue to post fire updates on our Facebook page.

For information on the Rio Grande National Forest, call (719) 850-2374, visit the forest website, or follow us on our Facebook page or Twitter.

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