Fire Crews Prepare Burnout In Crystal Fire Area

LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4)- Firefighers are trying to fully contain a wildfire in Larimer County that started one week ago. On Saturday, firefighters are planning a burn out to stop the Crystal Fire ahead of changing weather.

The fire is burning about 15 miles west of Fort Collins. It is 55 percent contained.

Fire crews will begin burning 20-25 acres at the north end of the fire, south of Deerpath Road and Larimer County Road 44H, west of County Road 27.

The burn out will produce a lot of smoke in the area. Residents are asked not to call 911 unless they are sure of a new fire.

Since the Crystal Fire started on April 1, it has burned 3,200 acres and destroyed 15 homes.

A burn out is a fire suppression tactic that removes unburned fuel, such as grass, leaves, needles and brush, located between the advancing fire and an established control line.

Gov. John Hickenlooper issued a disaster declaration on Monday, freeing up $1.7 million in state aid.