Windy Ridge and West Fork Fire join to become the West Fork Complex Fire June 20, 2013

We felt pretty safe and decided to remain in South Fork for another night.  We got a spot along the Rio Grand at the South Fork RV Park.  It was probably close to about noon when the fires kicked it up a notch and before the night was over grew into one huge fire versus 2 smaller fires. 

Just at sunset we spoke to a couple from Oklahoma that had attended a town meeting. They told us that everyone had been assured that South Fork was safe and not to worry.  So we went to bed intending to head out in the morning for La Veta, our next camping spot.

 

At 1:30 am we were awaken to someone pounding on our door.  We were told we needed to get ourselves ready to evacuate. The fire had traveled seven miles in the last few hours and the town of South Fork was in imminent danger. Since we had just pulled in and planned to stay only the one night we had very little to do to get ready to pull out.  I really felt awful for most of the others in the RV park.  We had wondered around during the day talking with people so we knew that most of the people in this particular park had been there for at least a month and most were set up to spend the summer. Awnings were pulled out, tables and chairs set up for morning coffee time, clothes lines were hung, covers on tires, and planters with everything from flowers to herbs were abundant at almost every RV spot. To top it off I think Jim and I were by far the youngest couple in the park. So once we had our sewer, water and electric disconnected we took a pass through the park offering to help others.  I have to say I was very impressed with how smoothly and quickly it went.  Within the hour everyone was buttoned up and ready to roll. 

 

We watched the news tonight and the fire is still growing and crews are standing by to try and save South Fork. My prayers are with them.