April 21, 2022
Most residents who were evacuated due the Monte Vista Fire were allowed to return to their homes late last night. Fire personnel conducted a thorough evaluation of the undamaged structures in the evacuation area and were comfortable allowing residents to return home around 9:00 pm last night.
Law enforcement continued a perimeter around the evacuation zone through the night to keep bystanders out and to allow fire personnel to continue to work hot zones. This perimeter will remain in place until fire personnel make the determination it is safe and to allow a complete damage assessmentby the Rio Grande County Assessor’s office of the burned structures. The initial damage assessment is being conducted today.
The Monte Vista Police Department, Colorado Bureau of Investigation and fire investigators from the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control continue to investigate the origin and cause of the fire and have officers and agents working in the damage zone today. While it is very early in the investigation, there is no indication or reason to believe this was intentional.
The results of the damage assessment, to include number of lost structures and vehicles; and the origin and cause of the fire may take several weeks for final results but will be released once completed.
Currently there are no reports of injuries or missing persons. There are currently six families that are displaced by fire and are being offered assistance through Rio Grande County Department of Social Services and the San Luis Valley Victim Response Unit.
The City of Monte Vista and Rio Grande County are working together to declare this a disaster area, which will bring state and federal funding to assist those affected by the fire.
The City of Monte Vista recognizes the extreme impact this fire has had on the community and will continue to work with the victims and those directly affected by this fire. We also offer our appreciation to all the surrounding first responders, especially our volunteer fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and the community members and businesses who provide resources, food, drinks, and other supplies for the victims.
Another update will be sent later this evening on today’s activities.