Springer Fire Burned 1,145 Acres, 39 Percent Contained

LAKE GEORGE, Colo. (CBS4)- Fire crews continue working to get control of the Springer Fire burning on the Pike National Forest about 3½ miles from Lake George.

The Springer Fire has burned 1,145 acres based on infra-red imagery. It is 39 percent contained.

The fire is burning in Ponderosa pine and grass in areas of steep terrain. There has been no damage to structures.

There are 479 fire personnel on the fire consisting of three Hot Shot crews, seven hand crews, 39 engines and four helicopters. Two heavy air tankers will be available as needed; three Single Engine Air Tankers are directly assigned to the fire.

Forces will concentrate on the fire's edge located in Eleven Mile Canyon and keeping the fire from becoming established on the south side of the canyon. There has been no damage to structures. There have been two minor injuries attributed to the fire.

The cold front yesterday brought higher humidities and lower temperatures which helped firefighters secure more fire line. Today, weather is expected to begin to cool with higher humidities however it will become warm and dry again this afternoon with wind gusts up to 30 mph. There is a fire weather watch Friday.

The fire has been determined to be human caused and may be related to recreational shooting. US forest Service, Park County Sheriff, FBI and ATF are working the ongoing investigation. A special tip line has been set up for any information relating to the investigation at 719-836-4117.

Evacuations remain in effect for Echo Valley, Wagon Tongue, and Circle C Ranch. Beaver Valley Ranch and Beaver Valley Estates residents can return home. An evacuation center has been established at the Woodland Park High School. Large animals may be taken to the fairgrounds in Cripple Creek. Small animals may be taken to the Teller County Animal Shelter.

11-Mile Canyon Recreation Area is closed. Road closures remain in effect on 11-mile Canyon Road (CR 96), and CR 98. County Rd 61, South from Lake George, and the section of County Road 98 between County Road 61 and 403, and 403 South from County Road 98, are now open. However, County Road 98 between County Road 403 and 100 remains closed. 11-Mile reservoir is open from the South Park side, but the fire area remains closed. The Park County Sheriff's department will be increasing patrols today to ensure the safety of firefighters and the public.