Firefighters gain more control, limit the growth of 3 fires

Firefighters in Jefferson, Larimer and Montrose counties on Monday gained more control and limited the spread of three Colorado wildfires that have destroyed dozens of structures and scorched thousands of acres over the past week.

The 527-acre Quarry Fire near Deer Creek Canyon in Jefferson County reached 45% containment Monday afternoon, fire officials said in an update.

Wildfire control is measured how much of the fire’s perimeter has a fire line dug into the ground by hand or with a bulldozer to prevent the fire from spreading and whether there are no hotspots left in the area, according to the US Forest Service.

Firefighters are working to end the controlled burn along the western edge of the quarry, which will provide a “much better opportunity” to lift evacuation orders so people can return home, said Karlyn Tilley, spokesperson for the sheriff’s office.

Fire officials could not provide a clear timeline for when the remaining evacuation orders will be lifted, but Tilley said they are “very optimistic” about the progress made.

“God willing and Mother Nature willing, we will get people back into their homes very quickly,” she said.

The fire has not damaged any buildings since it started Tuesday and is being investigated as arson, although fire officials have not determined whether the blaze was accidentally or intentionally set, Tilley said.

Containment of the Alexander Mountain fire burning 10 miles west of Loveland increased to 74% on Monday as crews continue to search for hot spots identified by infrared cameras.

“Last night on the infrared (flight) we told them to turn the dial up until they could see deer and then step back so we could see all those spots, and then we went after those spots today,” said Section Chief Jayson Coil during an afternoon briefing.

Management of the fire will likely transition from a complex incident team to the US Forest Service in the coming days, but locals can expect firefighters to be in the area for weeks to come.

“As long as there is heat, as long as there is smoke, there will be people patrolling,” said Incident Commander. Carl Schwope.

Larimer County officials also lifted more mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders on Monday, although US 34 remains closed.

The fire destroyed at least 26 homes and 21 outbuildings and damaged four other homes since the July 29 blaze, burning 9,668 acres of Roosevelt National Forest and private land. Approximately 900 homes are still under mandatory evacuation orders and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.