Crews battling the Sand Gulch fire burning in the San Isabel National Forest near Wetmore are preparing for warm temperatures and wind today as the snow that aided firefighters this weekend melts away.
The blaze has burned 495 acres and is 85 percent contained, according a news release from the U.S. Forest Service.
The reported size of the fire was reduced yesterday after more accurate mapping.
Temperatures in the area are expected to near 70 degrees today with winds between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as strong as 30 mph.
Smoke from the fire is expected to fluxuate depending on weather conditions.
The fire, caused by lightning, started on April 26. About 40 homes were evacuated but no injuries were reported and no structures have been lost. Residents were allowed to return to their homes on Saturday.
Wetmore is about 25 miles south of Cañon City.
