NEW CASTLE, Colo.—An abandoned campfire is suspected of igniting a wildfire that’s smoldering in the Flat Top mountain range north of New Castle.
The Daily Sentinel reports ( ) that White River National Forest spokesman Bill Kight says the fire started Thursday in an unofficial campsite. An official cause of the fire has not been determined.
The fire had burned across about 250 acres by Tuesday night. Officials say fire activity has been low after recent rains and cooler temperatures, but activity could flare again with dryer conditions forecast for later in the week.
The Middle Elk Fire started in the Hiner Spring area and forced the evacuation of the popular Meadow Lake campground and closure of some roads in the area.
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Information from: The Daily Sentinel,



