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Mulching Project Continues On Fourmile Fire Burn Area

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) - An extra half ton of straw has been ordered to cover mountainsides burned in a wildfire that destroyed 169 homes and scorched about 9 square miles west of Boulder.

Helicopters have already dropped roughly a ton of straw mulch, which will help reduce the risk of flooding when rains hit the bare slopes. The work has been going on since April 7.

A modeling study has concluded that between 20 and 40 homes are at risk for flooding if more than an inch of rain falls in an hour where vegetation no longer exists. Rainfall of 1.5 to 2.5 inches could threaten 55 to 75 homes and wash out the Fourmile Creek bridge.

The Daily Camera reports that the work is expected to take about two weeks.

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

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