Crystal Fire Still Burning, Damage Assesment Ongoing
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4) - A day after a wildfire tore through grass, trees and dozens of homes in Larimer County, Colorado's governor declared a disaster and appointed state funds for the emergency effort.
The 4,500 acre Crystal Fire continues to burn in the foothills about 15 miles west of Fort Collins. It was 5 percent contained early in the day on Monday but firefighters said they made good progress building containment lines after that. A new percentage for containment was not available Monday night.
"The weather cooperated again today allowing for numerous bucket drops by the two helicopters assigned to the fire. Water was being taken from Horsetooth Reservoir for the helicopter drops. While a heavy tanker was available it was not utilized today," Larimer County Sheriff's officials wrote on their website.
On Sunday morning heavy winds spread the fire and it burned what emergency officials suspect is 15 residences. Officials told CBS4 that number could fluctuate slightly as assessors continue to study the damage in the burn area. In addition to homes, many other outbuildings were destroyed.
Gov. John Hickenlooper on Monday approved $1.7 million in state funds for the firefighting effort, and Federal Emergency Management Agency funds will also be made available.
Residents who have questions about property damage or other aspects of the firefight can call the Crystal Fire Joint Information Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (970) 498-5500.
Photos Of The Fire
LINK: Larimer County Emergency Information
Link: U.S. Forest Service's Incident Information
LINK: Wildfire Resources
