Despite high winds, crews were able to hold the line against the Spring Creek fire and officials announced tonight that it is now 90 percent contained.
Crews are continuing a mop up operation by securing the perimeter 30 feet inside the containment line, according to the Northwest Colorado Fire Management unit. Due to extremely steep cliff faces and downed power lines, the remaining 10% of the fire is being monitored.
Earlier in the day, firefighters battling the human-caused fire 8 miles southwest of Rangely had braced for possible flare-ups of the 1,340-acre fire as a strong cold front passes through the area.
Winds gusted to 26 mph.
Lynn Barclay, spokesperson for the unit, said “erratic fire behavior” was expected in the area of deep canyons and high cliffs as the cold front blows through.
Barclay said investigators have determined that the fire was human-caused but are releasing no further details. She said it may be a couple of weeks before the investigation is complete.
So far, the fire has destroyed 15 power poles. The fire also has threatened oil and gas pumps, monitoring stations and a research facility.
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com
