Some residents in Pueblo County evacuated by the Junkins fire were allowed back into their homes Thursday as additional firefighters were deployed to battle the blaze.
Seven 20-person hand crews joined firefighters Thursday as favorable weather — cooler temperatures and lower wind speeds — aided fire suppression efforts, according to the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office.
The Junkins fire, about 11 miles east of Westcliffe, and is burning in Pueblo and Custer counties, including in Pike/San Isabel National Forest.
The fire is 33 percent contained, has burned 17,809 acres and is being fought by more than 500 fire personnel.
On Thursday heavy air tankers and single-engine air tankers dropped retardant along the northeast and eastern edge of fire, fire managers said on Facebook.
“Helicopters flew multiple bucket missions dropping water on areas of intense heat along the northeastern perimeter and along the North Creek Road,” said the Great Basin National Incident Management Team 1. “Fire engines were used to provide protection for homes.”
Pueblo County residents going back to their homes had to pick up re-entry passes at the Colorado Building on the State Fairgrounds complex.
