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250 firefighters, two heavy air tankers battle Park County wildfire
The Springer Fire photographed Sunday (June 17) afternoon from Highway 24. PHOTO COURTESY JOHN WARNER.
By Summit Voice
SUMMIT COUNTY —The Springer Fire, burning near Lake George in Park County, has grown to almost a thousand acres in just 24 hours, and firefighters are throwing everything they have at the blaze to try and keep it from becoming established on the south side of Elevenmile Canyon.
Already, 250 firefighters are at the scene, with more arriving hourly. Ground crews and engines are being supported by two heavy air tankers and two helicopters, along with a lead plane to guide aerial operations.
The fire is burning in rugged terrain and in dry fuels, including grasses, ponderosa pine and mixed brush. Fire officials said the growth potential for the fire is extreme, especially considering red flag fire conditions in the area, with hot temperatures, relative humidity in the low single digits and winds gusting up to 25 mph.
The area’s summer recreation activities are also taking a hit, as Elevenmie Canyon is closed until further notice. Evacuation orders are in place for: Wagon Tongue Subdivision, Echo Valley Subdivision, Circle C Ranch, Beaver Valley Estates,Beaver Valley Ranch, All of County Rd 98 and Park County Rd 403.
The Teller County Sheriff issued voluntary evacuations: Wilson Lakes, Forest Glen and Blue Mountain. Evacuees are to go to High School in Woodland Park which will be staffed by the Red Cross. .
Filed under: climate and weather, Colorado, Drought, forest fires Tagged: | Colorado wildfires, Elevenmile Canyon, Lake George, Park County wildfire, Springer Fire, Teller County Colorado
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