Fire managers reported more containment on the Colt Fire on Aug. 9, adding more containment to the south and north with the help of cool, wet weather.
The Colt Fire was mapped on Aug. 8 to be 7,202 acres, growing less than 100 acres the last few days. Rain has been in the forecast since Aug. 5, and there will also be a chance of rain Aug. 9.
Firefighters will now try to close off the western front to any new growth. Heavy machinery will be creating a direct fire line on the northwestern side of the fire, with officials saying the crews there will be carefully working around stands of white bark pine trees.
At the southwestern side, which is approaching the Marshall Roadless Area, hand crews and heavy machinery are clearing brush to open up roadways to complete a fire line along summit ridge. The fire is still being treated as a full suppression operation.
On the east side, the fire is diminishing as a threat, so fire crews could start removing hose lines from residences on the southeast and northeast of the fire. Evacuation warnings are still in place for Rovero Flats and some parts of Lake Inez.
Temperatures will begin to warm up going into the weekend. Fire managers are concerned gusty outflow winds from thunderstorms passing through could lead to new spot fires outside of the containment lines. Highs could be in the ‘90s by Monday, Aug. 14.
Reader Comments(0)