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Behind The Lines Of The High Park Fire

LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4)- For the first time since the High Park Fire started, the media was allowed with their cameras into the burn area.

Wednesday afternoon firefighters led media crews into those areas that the High Park Fire has destroyed.

The High Park Fire has burned 68,200 Acres, is 55 percent contained and has cost $19.6 million to fight so far. There are 1,978 fire personnel fighting the fire along with 18 helicopters and 135 engines running with a 24-hour work schedule in place.

Firefighters talked about the tough fight on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday when strong winds and hot, dry conditions hampered firefighting efforts.

"Unfortunately the fire got ahead of us," said Poudre Fire Authority spokesman Patrick Love. "We had crews in here doing structure protection, going from one home to another, trying to save everything they could."

Several homes along County Road 29C were threatened when the fire jumped the Poudre River, sparking new evacuations. Crews stayed as long as they could, fighting back flames fueled by strong, erratic winds.

"Putting water on the fire as it came up to the residences," said Love.

One only home was lost that day. Firefighters said every day is a different battle in the attempt to control the High Park Fire burning west of Fort Collins.

"When a fire comes through any area it could be the smallest ember that catches on almost anything," said Love.

The fire was sparked by lightning on June 9.

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