Photos: West Fork Complex fire at 110,028 acres, 25 percent containment after rain

June 23, 2013

Fire shoots from the trees at the Papoose Fire, June 26, 2013. The wildfire in southwestern Colorado has consumed more than 80 thousand acres, and continues to have potential for growth. (Photo By RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post) ( FIRE_RJ16986 )

CREEDE, CO-June 27, 2013: Fire burns out of control at the Papoose Fire, June 27, 2013. The wildfire in southwestern Colorado continues to have potential for growth. (Photo By RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post) ( FIRE_RJ20195 )

CREEDE, CO - JUNE 27: Creede Mayor Eric Grossman speaks about the economic impact of the West Fork Complex fire as multiple fires burn near the small, tourist-driven mountain town. Grossman said the impact could be felt for more than 10 years depending on how visitors perceive the area following the 80-plus-thousand-acre burn. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD28WESTFORKFIRE__ADO4522 )

CREEDE, CO - JUNE 27: Community members find various ways to thank fire crews as the Papoose fire continues to burn near Creede. The three fires that make up the West Fork Complex fire now top out at more than 80 thousand acres. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD28WESTFORKFIRE__ADO4475 )

CREEDE, CO - JUNE 27: Robert McKee (pictured) and Dick Wilcox eat at The Best Little Doghouse in Creede after it opened for the first time in three days as the Papoose fire continues to burn near Creede. Larson says that he has been open seven days a week during the summer in his 21 years of owning the restaurant. Entering what is traditionally the small mountain town's most profitable week of the year, all signs of the usual bustle of tourism is absent. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD28WESTFORKFIRE__ADO4430 )

CREEDE, CO-June 27, 2013: Firefighter Michael Remero was all smiles after finding out his snacks and drink were free at Gifts and Gas in Creede, June 27, 2013. Vicki Vinyard, right who works in the store and other locals, put money into a fund to help pay for the goodies that firefighters are buying in the morning before heading back to the fire lines. (Photo By RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post) ( FIRE_RJ29873 )

CREEDE, CO-June 27, 2013: Fires burning near Creede are making the town look more like a ghost towns then a popular tourist destination, June 27, 2013. The wildfire in southwestern Colorado continues to have potential for growth. (Photo By RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post) ( FIRE_RJ29845 )

CREEDE, CO-June 27, 2013: Heavy smoke rises into the sky at the Papoose Fire, June 27, 2013. The wildfire in southwestern Colorado continues to have potential for growth. (Photo By RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post) ( FIRE_RJ20059 )

More than 20 horses from Freemon's Ranch are returned to their meadow as the adjacent mountainside smolders after being burned by the Papoose fire. The trio of fires making up the West Fork Complex fire have now consumed more than 80,000 acres. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD27WESTFORKFIRE__ADO0341 )

Chris Cage gives the thumbs up to fellow wranglers while preparing to return more than 20 horses to their pasture across Highway 149 as the Papoose fire continues to burn near Creede. The three fires that make up the West Fork Complex fire now top out at more than 80 thousand acres. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD27WESTFORKFIRE__ADO4007 )

Kirk Ellison brushes Smitty, while preparing to return more than 20 horses to their pasture across Highway 149 as the Papoose fire continues to burn near Creede. The three fires that make up the West Fork Complex fire now top out at more than 80 thousand acres. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD27WESTFORKFIRE__ADO3930 )

Jess Biernat (Fardog owner), Vicki Kulyk (Holy Moses owner) and Charles Maze (The Old Firehouse owner) all stand in front of their businesses on Wednesday, June 26, 2013-- none of which had patrons in the late afternoon due to the nearby fires that have all but killed summer tourism in the small mountain town. Many local businesses have begun to suffer due to area wildfires. Creede, which relies heavily on summer tourism, is nearly free of all visitors heading into the week of the Fourth of July, which is traditionally their largest grossing week of the year.(Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD27WESTFORKFIRE__ADO4258 )

A man looks at the fire map as the Papoose fire continues to burn near Creede. The three fires that make up the West Fork Complex fire now top out at more than 80 thousand acres. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD27WESTFORKFIRE__ADO4081 )

Jay Vaughn, a summer resident of Creede, watches as the Papoose fire kicks up late in the afternoon. The three fires that make up the West Fork Complex fire now top out at more than 80 thousand acres. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD27WESTFORKFIRE__ADO4130 )

Crews watch as the Papoose fire continues to burn near Creede. The three fires that make up the West Fork Complex fire now top out at more than 70 thousand acres. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD27WESTFORKFIRE__ADO0367 )

A helicopter works the fire as the West Fork Fire continues to burn near Creede. The West Fork Fire grew to more than 70,000 acres overnight. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO9812 )

Firefighter Rick Jackson comes into came after battling the Papoose Fire, June 26, 2013. The wildfire in southwestern Colorado has burned more than 80 thousand acres and continues to have potential for growth. (Photo By RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post) ( FIRE_RJ29749 )

Firefighter Cody Lingard comes into camp after battling the Papoose Fire, June 26, 2013. The wildfire in southwestern Colorado continues to have potential for growth after having burned more than 80 thousand acres. (Photo By RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post) ( FIRE_RJ29749 )

CREEDE, CO - JUNE 25: Residents listen to officials during a Creede community meeting as the Papoose fire continues to burn near the small town. The three fires that make up the West Fork Complex fire now top out at more than 70 thousand acres. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD26WESTFORKFIRE__ADO0127 )

The trees smolder behind the gate of the Freemon Ranch as the Papoose fire continues to burn near Creede. The three fires that make up the West Fork Complex fire now top out at more than 70 thousand acres. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD25WESTFORKFIRE__ADO0076 )

Buck Sneed, cleans up outside his wife's cafe, Cafe Ole in Creede, June 26, 2013. The cafe closed early because of a lack of customers due to the wildfires keeping summer tourists away. (Photo By RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post) ( FIRE_RJ29647 )

Brenda Maze, third-year co-owner of the Old Fire House, works on refunding cancellations, which tally nearly 100 percent in the coming weeks. Many local businesses have begun to suffer due to area wildfires. Creede, which relies heavily on summer tourism, is nearly free of all visitors heading into the week of the Fourth of July, which is traditionally their largest grossing week of the year.(Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD27WESTFORKFIRE__ADO4231 )

Performers act out a scene at the Creede Repertory Theater, while preparing for upcoming shows despite wildfires that have all but killed summer tourism in the area. The three fires that make up the West Fork Complex fire now top out at more than 80 thousand acres. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD27WESTFORKFIRE__ADO4174 )

Smoke in the air from the Papoose Fire turns the sky red, June 26, 2013. The wildfire in southwestern Colorado has consumed more than 80 thousand acres and continues to have potential for growth. (Photo By RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post) ( FIRE_RJ17048 )

CREEDE, CO-June 25, 2013: Firefighters battling the West Fork Complex get water from the Rio Grande River, June 25, 2013. The wildfire in southwestern Colorado continues to have potential for growth. (Photo By RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post) ( FIRE_RJ29487 )

CREEDE, CO-June 25, 2013: Firefighter, Joe Smith, battling the West Fork Complex get water for his crews pump truck from the Rio Grande River, June 25, 2013. The wildfire in southwestern Colorado continues to have potential for growth. (Photo By RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post) ( FIRE_RJ16405 )

CREEDE, CO-June 25, 2013: A flag blows in the wind at the West Fork Complex Fire, June 25, 2013. The wildfire in southwestern Colorado continues to have potential for growth. (Photo By RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post) ( FIRE_RJ29280 )

CREEDE, CO-June 25, 2013: Firefighters battling the West Fork Complex Fire watch as the wildfire in southwestern Colorado continues to grow, June 25, 2013. (Photo By RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post) ( FIRE_RJ16529 )

CREEDE, CO - JUNE 25: The sun sets as the Papoose fire continues to burn near Creede. The three fires that make up the West Fork Complex fire now top out at more than 70 thousand acres. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD26WESTFORKFIRE__ADO3798 )

CREEDE, CO - JUNE 25: Residents listen to officials speak during a Creede community meeting as the Papoose fire continues to burn near the small town. The three fires that make up the West Fork Complex fire now top out at more than 70 thousand acres. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD26WESTFORKFIRE__ADO3767 )

CREEDE, CO - JUNE 25: Residents arrive for a a Creede community meeting as the Papoose fire continues to burn near the small town. The three fires that make up the West Fork Complex fire now top out at more than 70 thousand acres. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD26WESTFORKFIRE__ADO3745 )

CREEDE, CO - JUNE 25: Possum Steinbach (facing camera) hugs Gloria Mayes as they greet each other at a Creede community meeting as the Papoose fire continues to burn near the small town. The three fires that make up the West Fork Complex fire now top out at more than 70 thousand acres. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD26WESTFORKFIRE__ADO3741 )

CREEDE, CO - JUNE 25: A commercial plane flies overhead as the Papoose fire continues to burn at sunset near Creede. The three fires that make up the West Fork Complex fire now top out at more than 70 thousand acres. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD26WESTFORKFIRE__ADO0222 )

CREEDE, CO - JUNE 25: A plane flies drops slurry as the Papoose fire continues to burn at sunset near Creede. The three fires that make up the West Fork Complex fire now top out at more than 70 thousand acres. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD26WESTFORKFIRE__ADO0294 )

CREEDE, CO - JUNE 25: Betty Nicholopoulos wears a mask as she does laundry with Sheryl Forrester as the Papoose fire continues to burn near Creede. The three fires that make up the West Fork Complex fire now top out at more than 70 thousand acres. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD26WESTFORKFIRE__ADO3706 )

CREEDE, CO - JUNE 25: Beverly and Gary Moore look at the burn map during a Creede community meeting as the Papoose fire continues to burn near the small town. The three fires that make up the West Fork Complex fire now top out at more than 70 thousand acres. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD26WESTFORKFIRE__ADO0124 )

CREEDE, CO - JUNE 25: Residents arrive at a Creede community meeting as the Papoose fire continues to burn near the small town. The three fires that make up the West Fork Complex fire now top out at more than 70 thousand acres. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD26WESTFORKFIRE__ADO0119 )

The Papoose heated up in the late afternoon near Creede. The three fires that make up the West Fork Complex fire now top out at more than 70 thousand acres. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD25WESTFORKFIRE__ADO3454 )

CREEDE, CO - JUNE 25: A plane flies over before dropping slurry as the Papoose fire continues to burn at sunset near Creede. The three fires that make up the West Fork Complex fire now top out at more than 70 thousand acres. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD26WESTFORKFIRE__ADO0160 )

A helicopter carries a bucket of water as the Papoose fire continues to burn near Creede. The three fires that make up the West Fork Complex fire now top out at more than 70 thousand acres. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD25WESTFORKFIRE__ADO0016 )

Adiliet Maratov shoots the ball as the Papoose fire heats up near Creede. The three fires that make up the West Fork Complex fire now top out at more than 70 thousand acres. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD25WESTFORKFIRE__ADO3545 )

Jack Kurtz points out the window while watching the Papoose fire with his dog Kallie near Creede. The three fires that make up the West Fork Complex fire now top out at more than 70 thousand acres. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD25WESTFORKFIRE__ADO3478 )

The West Fork Fire continues to burn into the night near Creede. The West Fork Fire grew to more than 70,000 acres overnight. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO9896 )

The West Fork Fire continues to burn into the night near Creede. The West Fork Fire grew to more than 70,000 acres overnight. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO9908 )

The West Fork Fire continues to burn into the night near Creede. The West Fork Fire grew to more than 70,000 acres overnight. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO3338 )

The moon appears as the West Fork Fire continues to burn into the night near Creede. The West Fork Fire grew to more than 70,000 acres overnight. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO9951 )

An empty Main Street in Creede. The West Forest Complex fire continues to burn as it feeds on vast amounts of beetle kill in the surrounding forest. As a result, Creede, a town that relies on the summer months' cash flow to get them through long winters is as empty in June as anyone in the area can remember. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO9998 )

A closed sign hangs on the Creede Hotel Bed and Breakfast Restaurant on Main Street. The West Forest Complex fire continues to burn as it feeds on vast amounts of beetle kill in the surrounding forest. As a result, Creede, a town that relies on the summer months' cash flow to get them through long winters is as empty in June as anyone in the area can remember. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO3360 )

A woman covers her face to help aid against the smoky haze near downtown. The West Forest Complex fire continues to burn as it feeds on vast amounts of beetle kill in the surrounding forest. As a result, Creede, a town that relies on the summer months' cash flow to get them through long winters is as empty in June as anyone in the area can remember. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO0005 )

A rancher herds his cows through the smokey conditions around the West Fork Complex fire near South Fork, Colorado. (Photo By Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post) ( WestForkHC1_0064 )

The smoke from the West Fork Complex fire fills the sky in Del Norte area on Friday, June 21, 2013. (Photo By Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post) ( WestForkHC1_0017 )

Michael Abeyta, left, and Mark Sowards from South Conejos fire department are moving the grass for fire mitigation at Masonic Park area in South Fork. (Photo By Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post) ( WestForkHC1_0379 )

Michael Abeyta from South Conejos fire department moves a chair from a property while doing fire mitigation at Masonic Park area in South Fork. (Photo By Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post) ( WestForkHC1_0492 )

Michael Abeyta, left, and Mark Sowards from South Conejos fire department are moving grass for fire mitigation at Masonic Park area in South Fork. (Photo By Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post) ( WestForkHC1_0526 )

From left, Brad Egger of Los Pinos Fire Department, Mark Sowards and Michael Abeyta from South Conejos fire department are checking the direction of wind and smoke of the West Fork Complex fire at Masonic Park in South Fork on Saturday, June 22, 2013. (Photo By Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post) ( WestForkHC1_0618 )

City of South Fork is covered by smoke from the West Fork Complex fire on Saturday, June 22, 2013. (Photo By Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post) ( WestForkHC2_9349 )

West Fork Complex fire evacuee Sam Salazar holds his daughter Grace, 6, while his wife Colette sits nearby with their 9-month-old son Payton at Del Norte High School Gym on Friday, June 21, 2013. (Photo By Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post) ( WestForkHC1_9966 )

West Fork Complex fire evacuee Joan Thomas, left, and her husband Gerald are praying for the firefighters at Del Norte High School Gym on Friday, June 21, 2013. (Photo By Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post) ( WestForkHC1_9940 )

Joe Zinn photographs the scene as the West Fork Fire continues to burn near Creede, Colorado. The West Fork Fire grew to more than 70,000 acres overnight. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO3289 )

The West Fork Fire continues to burn near Creede. The West Fork Fire grew to more than 70,000 acres overnight. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO9867 )

Wranglers from left to right Dusty Weller and Chris (no last name) adjust a tow strap while fixing a fence as the air is filled with a smoky haze from the West Fork Fire burning near Creede. The West Fork Fire grew to more than 70,000 acres overnight. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO3228 )

Wranglers from left to right Dalton Davidson, Chris (no last name) and Dusty Weller fix a fence as the air is filled with a smoky haze from the West Fork Fire burning near Creede. The West Fork Fire grew to more than 70,000 acres overnight. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO3186 )

Ben Hake (left) and Ryan Scroggins photograph as the West Fork Fire continues to burn near Creede. The West Fork Fire grew to more than 70,000 acres overnight. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO3276 )

EMT Chris Haefner, of Laramie, Wyoming, walks along the roadside in a smoky haze as the West Fork Fire continues to burn near Creede. The West Fork Fire grew to more than 70,000 acres overnight. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO9785 )

Don Smith and Ralph Harden sit near the Highway 160 roadblock, while watching the action as the West Fork Fire continues to burn near South Fork. The West Fork Fire grew to more than 70,000 acres overnight. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO3159 )

Brothers Kris Beriger, 9, and Kort, 4, play on a trampoline at their home on County Road 43 in Center as a haze lingers from the West Fork Fire as continues to burn near South Fork. The West Fork Fire grew to more than 70,000 acres overnight. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO9698 )

Gary Kindred, of Creede, watches as the West Fork Fire continues to burn near South Fork. The West Fork Fire grew to more than 70,000 acres overnight. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO9779 )

A plume of smoke grows as wind speeds increase as the West Fork Fire continues to burn near South Fork. The West Fork Fire grew to more than 70,000 acres overnight. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO3059 )

A man watches as winds pick up and a plume of smoke rises into the sky near the road blockade on Highway 160 as the West Fork Fire continues to burn near South Fork. The West Fork Fire grew to more than 70,000 acres overnight. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO9750 )

CDOT worker Brett Murrelle speaks with Le Shepherd at the Highway 160 roadblock as the West Fork Fire continues to burn near South Fork. The West Fork Fire grew to more than 70,000 acres overnight. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO3176 )

Bee Marx looks back after leaving her home as the West Fork Fire continues to burn near South Fork. Marx and her husband Ron were allowed into their home for 15 minutes to gather items. The West Fork Fire grew to more than 70,000 acres overnight. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO3109 )

Sheryl Forrester looks to the smoke-filled sky as the Papoose fire heats up near Creede, Colo., on June 24, 2013. The Papoose fire combined with two other fires to create the West Fork Complex fire, which burned more than 100,000 acres in southwest Colorado. ( CD25WESTFORKFIRE__ADO3637 )

Officer James Chavez of the South Fork Police touches hands with Ron Marx as he supports the homeowner after he and his wife left her home as the West Fork Fire continues to burn near South Fork. The West Fork Fire grew to more than 70,000 acres overnight. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO3138 )

Ron Marx gathers food and other supplies in his home as the West Fork Fire continues to burn near South Fork. Marx and his wife Bee were allowed into their home for 15 minutes to gather items. The West Fork Fire grew to more than 70,000 acres overnight. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO3063 )

Bee Marx gathers food and other supplies in her home as the West Fork Fire continues to burn near South Fork. Marx and her husband Ron were allowed into their home for 15 minutes to gather items. The West Fork Fire grew to more than 70,000 acres overnight. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO3036 )

Deputy Boyd Wheel Wright of the Rio Grande County Sheriff's office asks landowner Vernon Mann why he needs to cross the road blockade on Highway 160 as the West Fork Fire continues to burn near South Fork. The West Fork Fire grew to more than 70,000 acres overnight. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO2930 )

A sheriff's deputy walks across the roadblock on Highway 160 as the West Fork Fire continues to burn near South Fork. The West Fork Fire grew to more than 70,000 acres overnight. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO3169 )

Ron Marx stands outside of his home as a plume of smoke rises over the hill as the West Fork Fire continues to burn near South Fork. Marx and his wife, Bee, were allowed into their home for 15 minutes to gather items. The West Fork Fire grew to more than 70,000 acres overnight. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO2981 )

Ron Marx points out the fire to his wife Bee as they cross the road blockade to gather items at their home for an allotted 15 minutes on Highway 160 as the West Fork Fire continues to burn near South Fork. The West Fork Fire grew to more than 70,000 acres overnight. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) ( CD24WESTFORKFIRE__ADO2957 )

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