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Silver Creek Fire approaches 19,000 acres, containment at 50 percent

Continued growth on the Silver Creek Fire has brought the conflagration to nearly 19,000 acres as firefighters brace for a week of dry warm weather in the area.

Monday morning officials from the Rocky Mountain Blue Team updated the current status of the fire, which is now listed at 18,603 acres with a containment level of 50 percent.

“The growth in acreage is due to Saturday’s successful burn out operation,” officials from the Blue Team stated Monday morning. “That success was tested by Sunday’s ‘Red Flag’ warning for high winds, low humidity and high temperatures. It passed the test, but the test continues.”

As of Monday morning 658 firefighters are assigned to the Silver Creek Fire.

“They are actively engaging the fire where it is safe to do so and implementing a full suppression strategy,” Blue Team officials stated. “High winds are a concern for firefighters watching for deadly snags falling from weakened trees.”

According to fire officials crews have been busy lately working along the southeastern edge of the Sarvis Creek Wilderness in the Silver Creek drainage west of the 100 Road. They have been getting assistance from air support in the form of large helicopters with water drops to “help keep it in check”. Fire officials noted the recent burn out operations caused some fire spotting, caused by burning and downed aspen leaves, but added “firefighters successfully chased them down.”

Moving forward firefighters are continuing mop up efforts on hot spots from the 100 Road west through the Green Creek Fire scar with the use of previously prepared hose lays. Firefighters were also busy mopping up the Muddy Creek Drainage the areas west of Albert Reservoir. Additionally fire personnel are working to extinguish hot spots and secure fire lines north of Latigo Ranch as patrols continue in the Latigo Ranch area and along the 100 Road.

“The fire continues to burn interior and clean itself up,” officials stated. “Expect to se lingering smoke along the Highway 40 corridor.”

Latigo Ranch, the Yost Ranch, Rabbit Ears Village, Bear Mountain and the Lake Agnes areas remain under pre-evacuation notices. Most of the area, including nearly all of Grand County that lies west of Highway 40 between Highway 134 and Rabbit Ears Pass remains closed to all nonessential traffic.


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