Summit County Citizens Voice

Wildfire in Park County reported as 10 percent contained

The perimeter of the 1,100-acre Springer Fire in Park County, Colorado, based on an infrared-detecting overflight on the evening of June 18.

SUMMIT COUNTY — Concerted ground and aerial firefighting efforts paid off at the Springer Fire, burning in Park County, Colorado, as the fire only grew by about 200 acres in the past 24 hours. As of Tuesday morning (June 19) the fire was reported as 10 percent contained, with 320 firefighters at the scene.

The fire forced the evacuation of numerous residences, resorts and camps in the area, putting a hit on the summer recreation business in the popular area around Lake George and in Elevenmile Canyon.

The fire continues to burn in rough and inaccessible terrain, amidst ponderosa pine, mixed conifers, grass and brush. At times, the fire is displaying extreme behavior, with rapidly spreading crown fires, as well as spot fires up to .25 miles away from the main fire front.

According to the Park County Sheriff’s Office, “Elevenmile Canyon including Camp Alexander has been evacuated and will remain closed to all recreation and traffic. Park County has issued a mandatory evacuation for Wagon Tongue subdivision, Echo Valley Subdivision, Circle C Ranch, Beaver Valley Ranch , Beaver Valley Estates, Homes located on County Rd 98 and 403.

Teller County has issued a voluntary evacuation notice for Wilson Lakes subdivision, Forest Glen Subdivision and Blue Mountain. An evacuation center has been set up by the Red Cross at the High School in Woodland Park. Evacuees can take large animals to the Fairgrounds in Cripple Creek and small animals can be taken to the Teller County Animal Shelter.”

Filed under: climate and weather, Colorado, forest fires Tagged: | Colorado wildfires, Park County wildfire, Springer Fire, Springer Fire map