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Wildfire Near Karval Fully Contained

KARVAL, Colo. (AP) - A wildfire that nearly prompted the evacuation of the tiny eastern Colorado town of Karval is now fully contained.

Lincoln County sheriff's Capt. Clint Tweden said Friday that the fire grew to a little over 18 square miles before it was contained.

On Thursday, the approximately 100 people who live in Karval were told to evacuate but then were able stay after winds shifted.

A barn and two wooden bridges on county roads were burned.

Authorities suspect it started along the shoulder of Colorado Highway 71, likely by a person. They say that's where the first reports of the fire came from and some of the heaviest burning was seen.

Twelve fire departments helped fight the fire on open prairie and farmland. A spotter plane helped direct them from the air.

LINK: Wildfire Resources

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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