8,000-Acre Wildfire In Moffat County Claims 2 Buildings

CRAIG, Colo. (CBS4) – A wildfire burning in Moffat County has grown to be an estimated 8,000 acres on Wednesday and is zero percent contained.

According to Lynn Barclay with the Northwest Colorado Fire Management Unit, the Alkali Fire was reported at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday on private land 14 miles north of Maybell.

"The fire made significant runs through sagebrush and grass earlier today jumping county roads and emitting embers which started spot fires. Spread potential of fire remains high," Barclay said in a statement.

Barclay said a part-time residence and a barn have burned. Firefighters are also concerned about pipelines in the area.

"The biggest challenge for firefighters is shifting wind from thunder cells and dry fuels," said Incident Commander Todd Wheeler with the Moffat County Sheriff's Office. "Safety to firefighters and citizens in the area is our top priority."

One firefighter sustained minor smoke inhalation.

The cause of the fire hasn't been determined.

Additional Information From The Northwest Colorado Fire Management Unit

Assigned to the incident are: Three Moffat County engines; One Craig Fire Rescue engine; one Bureau of Land Management engine; one Browns Park Refuge engine; one single engine air tanker; two Moffat County water tenders; and two Moffat County road maintainers.

Arriving tomorrow will be two 20-person Colorado State Wildfire Crews and two additional Moffat County road maintainers.

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