The weather lottery has brought drenching rains to some wildfire areas of the state while just missing a few stubborn fires, including the Lake Christine fire in Eagle County, authorities say.
Most of the 14 wildfires burning in the state have been virtually dormant, while only a few show some remaining life.
Fire crews have been working to extend containment lines and drop large amounts of retardant to protect cabins near Lake Christine in advance of weather conditions that are expected to be prime for fire growth.
“We’re in a drying trend,” said Lynn Lockwood, spokeswoman for the Lake Christine fire. “The weather is really not helping. That’s been frustrating.”
LAKE CHRISTINE
The wildfire burning a mile from Basalt grew about 100 acres Wednesday and Thursday morning.
Nasty 30 mph upward-flowing wind gusts could spread the wildfire that is nearly 12,000 acres, Lockwood said.
It’s getting drier and temperatures are expected to rise to the upper 80s on Thursday. Dry lightning strikes are also a concern.
About 420 firefighters are focusing attention on the northwest part of the fire just below a number of cabins. Aircraft will make several runs over the area to slow fire growth.
The worst day for fire crews could be Sunday when it will be very dry and hot, Lockwood said.
“It’s not great but its not horrible either,” she said.
416 FIRE
The 416 fire was last updated on InciWeb on July 16 at 54,129 acres and 50 percent containment.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is suspending operations through Thursday, as portions of the track between Hermosa and Rockwood were damaged in Tuesday’s thunderstorm.
SPRING CREEK FIRE
The Spring Creek fire was last updated on InciWeb on July 16, when the Rocky Mountain Blue Team handed off the fire to a Type 4 Organization. It was at 108,045 acres and 91 percent contained.
According to CDOT officials, Colorado Highway 69 is closed in both directions 3 miles north of Gardner due to flooding in the Spring Fire burn area.