Hickenlooper Visits Crystal Fire Command Post
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4) - Firefighters in Larimer County on Thursday were preparing to attack the Crystal Fire for the seventh straight day. They said they were hoping to have the fire 60 percent contained by the next official update.
Since the fire started last Friday it has burned 3,200 acres and destroyed 15 houses.
Gov. John Hickenlooper visited the command center for the firefight on Wednesday. He thanked the crews and got a first hand look at what it takes to fight a large wildfire.
"It's important to understand exactly the techniques are for fighting fires and how are the ways that we are most cost effective but at the same time keep our firefighters safe and at the same time protect people's homes and lives," Hickenlooper said.
Hickenlooper issued a disaster declaration on Monday, freeing up $1.7 million in state aid.
The fire is burning about 15 miles west of Fort Collins.
Hickenlooper said that even if the state winds up with a terrible fire season, the state has reserves to cover the costs of the firefighting efforts.
