Getting your player ready...
A fire burning for months in the West Elk Wilderness Area forced the closure of a portion of the area Monday as firefighters battle the blaze in western Colorado.
The fire is located about 18 miles west of Gunnison, with no homes or businesses threatened. The wilderness area is closed until further notice between Soap Creek Road and Red Creek Road, south to Bonefish Peak, according to the Montrose Interagency Fire Management Unit.
Wind in the area has fanned the flames over 850 acres and strengthened its intensity in recent days, authorities said today.
Lightning is believed to have started the fire July 1. It has been confined but allowed to burn because of the remote rugged terrain.
