Vigilance, caution still needed as wildfires slow

Wet weather hit areas of Colorado through the week, helping firefighters as they battle long-burning and newer blazes. Drier weather prevailed Friday in most fire areas. Saturday likely will be dry as well, except in southwestern Colorado, where the 416 and Burro fires are burning. Sunday a cold front sweeps into Colorado out of the north, according to the National Weather Service, bringing again a chance for late-day showers and thunderstorms.

Even with moisture and cooler temperatures, fire danger throughout the state remains extremely high, fire officials said. The public is asked to remain cautious and vigilant in regard to fire danger and safety.

Weston Pass fire

The Rocky Mountain Type 1 Incident Management Team will be released Saturday, and management of the fire will transfer to a local Type 3 organization led by Steve Reed, an assistant district fire management officer with the Pike and San Isabel National Forest.

Humidity ranges from 70 to 75 percent and temperatures from 49 to 54 degrees overnight Friday should help make the fire lay down. Fire workers continues to monitor fire behavior with lookouts and aircraft, fire officials said. As firefighters make inroads, fire personnel and equipment gradually are being released.

Hot Shot crews continue to work hot spots directly, coordinating helicopter bucket drops. Visible smoke from within the fire interior will continue, especially when the sun is warming fuels and the daytime humidity is lower.

Closures remain in effect in the Pike National Forest. The fire, nine miles south of Fairplay, started June 28. The lightning-sparked fire has burned more than 13,000 acres and was 83 percent contained Friday.

Spring Creek fire

Public safety and reenforcing fire lines remain top priorities on the 108,045-acre fire burning in Costilla and Huerfano counties, fire officials said Friday. The fire, which started about five miles northeast of Fort Garland on June 27, is 91 percent contained.

Recently crews have traversed the western edge of the fire, developing firebreaks in the Sterns Gulch Area. Because of its remote location, steep terrain and heavy fuel loads, the gulch is challenging. On Thursday firefighters halted operations and scrambled to safety as thunderstorms moved through the area and raised concerns about lightning and possible flooding.

Team Rubicon, an international charity started in 2010 when two Marines put together a group of veterans, first responders and medical professionals to provide recovery help after a devastating Haiti earthquake, is assisting recovery efforts in the hard-hit Forbes Park area.

Fawn fire

The fire, about 30 miles southwest of Meeker, is burning in rugged and remote terrain, in piñon-juniper and grass. Fire managers are beginning to downsize and demobilize suppression equipment as needed, officials said Friday.

The fire has burned 1,119 acres and is 91 percent contained. The fire started July 5 and was sparked by lightning.

Sprague fire

The lightning-caused fire started July 9 about 20 miles southwest of Meeker. It has burned 91 acres and is 97 percent contained. Fire command expects reaching full containment sometime during the next several days.