By Marty Mayfield
KRTN Multi-Media
The smoke billowed high and could be seen from Raton as the calls began to pour in about 1:45 p.m. Wednesday afternoon for the Crow Creek fire that began on the CS Ranch and quickly spread in the tall dry grass.
Winds moved the fire away from the CS Ranch Headquarters as units from Cimarron, French Tract, Maxwell, Philmont, Raton Fire, Colfax Rapid Response and Red River Fire as well as State Forestry arrived on the scene. Full fire suppression efforts began as State Forestry called in two big tankers to drop retardant on the fire and a Type 3 helicopter was brought in to do water drops on hot spots. Highway 64 was closed for a short period of time from the Hoxie Junction or the intersection of Highway 445 and Highway 64 to Colfax or Cold Beer as many know it or the intersection of Highway 64 and Highway 505.
State Forestry noted that there were structures being threatened and units provided structure protection as needed.
Colfax County Fire Marshall Nate Sandoval estimated the fire at about 1200 acres by the time units had the fire controlled. Fortunately higher humidity began to help with fire fighters as a storm system began to move into the area. As of 6:00 p.m. Wednesday evening the fire had been mostly controlled and units were mopping up hot spots and watching for flair ups as the wind continued to blow. Officials are still showing 0% containment due to the winds and the possibility of flare ups.
Sandoval noted that this could be a good fire for the CS Ranch if the area gets sufficient moisture the grass will green up and grow some. Cause of the fire is under investigation.
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