Cameron Peak Fire grows to 167K acres

Some evacuation orders lifted on Thursday

The Cameron Peak Fire grew by 3,013 acres during the day Thursday, reaching a total size of 167,153 acres and maintaining 56% containment.

In the last two days, the fire grew by more than 30,000 acres. The fire was recorded at 135,556 acres Wednesday morning as the fire activity began to increase due to high winds.

In the Thursday morning update, Paul Delmerico, operations section chief with the Rocky Mountain Incident Management team said heavy emphasis was being placed in the new burn area, which reaches east along the 44H road stopping around County Road 27, with increased structure protection in the Storm Mountain, Cedar Park, Retreat, Glen Haven and Estes Park areas. He said there were approximately 47 structure engines, over 40 wildland fire engines and 500 ground personnel in those areas.

Throughout the day, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office downgraded some evacuation areas while many stayed in place. County Road 52E, or the Rist Canyon Road, from County Road 27 east to County Road 27E was downgraded from a mandatory evacuation to voluntary status. Voluntary evacuation status was lifted for the Crystal Lakes, Red Feather, Lady Moon, Red Feather Highlands and Hohnholz areas.

Fire managers expect critical fire weather conditions again on Friday, with wind gusts that could reach 40-45 mph. Red flag warning conditions are expected from late Friday morning through 8 p.m. Saturday.

Cause of the fire, which started Aug. 13, is still under investigation, but is

believed to be humancaused.

Estimated date of containment is now Nov. 8. As of Thursday night the fire was still listed at 56% contained, the same figure as before the fire grew Wednesday.

Updates on evacuation orders and areas can be found at nocoalert.org. Other fire information, including how to get assistance, air quality updates, closures and how to make donations to help is available at inci web.nwcg.gov/incident/6964.