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83,000-acre fire now 55 percent contained
A June 23 fire progression map shows the recently burned areas at the High Park Fire in Larimer County.
Deer in a burned area at the High Park Fire in Larimer County, Colorado. Photo courtesy InciWeb.org. Click on the image to visit the InciWeb High Park photo gallery.
By Summit Voice
SUMMIT COUNTY — Robust fire lines at the High Park Fire in Larimer County withstood the test of 43 mph winds Monday, as firefighters stepped up containment of the 83,000-acre wildfire to 55 percent, according to the morning briefing.
Fire operations chief Kole Berriochoa said firefighters had “a very good day,” with only moderate fire activity, including torching of individual trees in the center of the fire. On the southwest corner of the fire, crews were able to connect several containment lines and create defensible space in the vicinity of Pingree Park.
But an unusual string of red flag extreme fire weather days (six in a ros) still poses a threat, as well as a forecast possibility of dry lighting storms that could potentially spark new fires.
Conditions are so hot and dry that even mosses and lichens are burning on granit rock, according to operations chief Jeff Surber.
Tuesday’s efforts will focus on line construction, mop-up and structure protection on the fire’s interior, and firefighters will try to reach otherwise inaccessible spots in Poudre Canyon using river rafts and floatation devices, led by licensed guides.
Read the full update at InciWeb.org.
Filed under: climate and weather, Colorado, Drought, forest fires Tagged: | Colorado wildfires, High Park Fire, Larimer County Colorado, Poudre Canyon
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