Wetter weather helping fire crews contain Colorado fires

Containment is growing on some of the state’s largest wildfires as rains and high humidity help dampen flames.

The Sylvan Fire has burned 3,792 acres south of Eagle but containment is now 50% and a cooperating weather pattern will look kindly on fire crews, the Forest Service reported today.

Crews are continuing to secure the fire’s perimeter with additional fire lines while improving and patrolling established lines, the Forest Service stated. On Wednesday, it rained about a quarter of an inch on the fire, prolonging the wet weather pattern and continuing to cool off fire behavior, the agency stated. Temperatures were expected to rise today, but there is still a chance of showers for the next few days.

The Muddy Slide Fire has scorched 4,093 acres west of Kremmling with 28% containment. Continued cooler weather is allowing crews to strengthen containment features and prepare for hotter, drier conditions in the days to come, according to the Forest Service.

Temperatures are expected to be in the upper 60s today, with a chance for storms that may include heavy rain, lighting and associated gusty winds, the agency said.

The Oil Springs Fire — the largest ongoing wildfire in Colorado — has now burned 12,613 acres but is at 76% containment, according to the Bureau of Land Management, or BLM.

A warming and drying trend at the fire is expected to continue today and into next week. As fuels dry, especially in pockets of heavy fuels, fire behavior may increase, the BLM said.