Beaver Creek Fire Grows To Nearly 19,000 Acres
WALDEN, Colo. (CBS4) - The Beaver Creek Fire continued to burn unchecked Monday and had charred 18,787 acres along the Colorado-Wyoming state line.
Parsons Draw residents were asked to evacuate on Saturday in advance of the Beaver Creek Fire.
What sparked the fire on June 19 remains under investigation.
Fire activity is expected to increase as drier and windier conditions return after recent rains in the past week slightly reduced the intensity of the fire.
The fire continues to burn and has the potential to spread in all directions, including into sage and grassy fuels. The fire continues to be fueled by beetle kill trees.
PHOTO GALLERY: Beaver Creek Fire
There are 175 total personnel battling the blaze.
The fire is estimated at 5 percent contained and the estimated containment date is Friday, Oct. 21.
Saturday's Statement From The Incident Information System
The Beaver Creek Fire is burning in heavy beetle killed timber. The infested trees are subject to blowing over with large amounts of down timber, making the forest unsafe for firefighters. For the safety of firefighters, the IMT is allowing the natural process of the fire to occur while focusing their resources on the values at risk. This suppression strategy provides for both firefighter safety and the protection of life and property.
Recent rains in the past week have slightly reduced the intensity of the fire. However, active fire still exists along the perimeter and is consuming unburned areas within the interior of the fire. Hotter, drier conditions will return to the fire area over next several days which will support increased fire activity.
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