Fires take toll on wildlife; officials urging awareness

3 structures have burned in the Weston Pass fire

More than 182,000 acres of land have been scorched by Colorado wildfire this season and the damage is taking a toll on wildlife. On Tuesday, fire officials said food sources for multiple species, including black bears, has been burned. Distressed animals may take to towns as they try to supplement their food source.

The Lake Christine fire has burned about 6,000 acres of wildlife habitat since sparking on July 3, according to fire officials.

“Many different species might be observed but one of immediate concern are black bears,” according to an InciWeb news release. “One was recently observed along the fire line by firefighters.”

Bears are opportunists and constantly pursue a high calorie diet including acorns, berries, fruits, animal carcasses and young animals. Much of the bears’ food source has been lost to fire.

Bears may now turn to towns to seek food and garbage, a potentially troubling turn and possi- ble threat to human safety. Residents, business owners and campers are advised to secure all food sources and garbage containers.

Gardens may also be a lure to wandering bears and other wildlife. Security and safety measures, such is lighting and fences, should be taken if possible.

The Lake Christine fire is burning about one mile northwest of Basalt. It has destroyed three homes and was human caused. It is 43 percent contained.

In the north section of the 107,967-acre fire, firefighters continue working in populated areas patrolling firelines, structures, and monitoring fire behavior, officials said. Huerfano County Road 520 remains closed. Logging operations are ongoing on the western edge of the fire; large trees are being cut and removed from fireline areas.

On the south side of the blaze, fire activity is decreasing, officials said. Flames and smoke will, however, remain visible. Utility companies continue repairs on infrastructure in burn areas. Residents are urged to use caution around trees, which may easily topple. Residents are also urged to wear and use protective gear, including gloves, eyeglasses, boots and long-sleeve shirts and pants if they work in burned areas.

The massive fire, which started on June 27 five miles northeast of Fort Garland and was human caused, is 77 percent contained.

The fire, burning about nine miles southwest of Fairplay, is about 13,000 acres and at 64 percent containment, fire officials said Tuesday night. The fire was started on June 28 by lightning.

U.S. 285 reopened over the weekend, after closing when the fire broke out. Fire officials met with community members Tuesday night to update fire information and field questions.

Three structures have been burned. Favorable weather conditions over the past few days have helped firefighters battling the blaze.

The Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Area remains closed because of the fire.

Sunshine on Tuesday morning brought temperatures to a high of 79 degrees. Those weather conditions continued to allow firefighters safe access to the area.

However, aircraft were grounded during some thunderstorms, which had gusty winds up to 30 mph.