Favorable weather and diligent firefighting operations contributed to Saturday morning’s 43 percent containment of the Spring Creek fire blazing through Costilla and Huerfano counties.
The wildfire reached 106,985 acres as of Saturday morning, according to an update from officials.
Firefighters continued to focus on protecting structures and property. Huerfano and Costilla county management are starting the process of allowing limited amounts of residents to head back to their homes. Residents are encouraged to call 211 to receive information about evacuations re-entry.
The south, east and northeast sides of the fire are being patrolled by fire crews Saturday as firefighters extinguish hot spots. Crews conducted a successful burnout effort west of Road 520 and are continuing to monitor the area. Firefighters are working on a containment line north of Sheep Mountain because of its rocky terrain with little fire fuel.
While rain tamed the wildfire allowing for increased containment, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Pueblo said more rain is likely not in the cards this weekend. The temperature surrounding the fire region is expected to be in the 80s with a low humidity.
Folks trying to navigate their way around the fire should have an easier time after Saturday afternoon.
U.S. 160 over La Veta Pass, which has been closed because of fire activity since June 27, is scheduled to reopen at 2 p.m. Saturday, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Colorado Highway 69 is still closed along with portions of U.S. Highway 160.
For current information about Colorado road closures, visit cotrip.org. Evacuations remain in place. Anyone needing updated evacuation information is asked to dial 211 from a Colorado phone.
Parts of the San Isabel National Forest are now closed to all recreational visitors. To learn more about closures, people are asked to contact the San Carlos Ranger District of the Pike & San Isabel National Forests, at 719-533-1400.
