Low moisture and strong winds have pushed the Routt County fire to nearly double in size to 1,405 acres. The fire remains uncontained.
The fire, located just north of Big Red Park approximately five miles south of the Colorado/Wyoming state line, burned 710 acres on Sunday, officials said.
Routt National Forest officials said that much of the fire growth happened Sunday afternoon when winds pushed it east. The fire is moving toward the Continental Divide and Mount Zirkel Wilderness.
The fire, started by lightning, is being fueled by dead and downed Lodgepole pines due to pine beetle infestation in the area.
Crews continue to concentrate on establishing a fire line on the southern perimeter of the fire to protect private property and natural and cultural resources. One ranch south of the fire is in jeopardy.
Weather is expected to remain hot and dry with isolated thunderstorms and gusty winds possible, resulting in more active fire behavior. The public should expect to see smoke in the area, though no smoke alerts have been issued.
A community meeting Monday night in Clark drew about 80 people to hear fire officials provide an update. No evacuations have been issued.
