Aided by “red flag conditions” of dry weather and high winds, a fire that began June 19 about 15 miles northwest of Walden, Colo. grew substantially this weekend. With an expansion of about 3,500 acres on Sunday alone, the Beaver Creek Fire had burned 19,464 acres or over 30 square miles by July 12.
On Sunday, the blaze forged a path into Wyoming for the first time, crossing the state line in the Big Creek Park area on the northwest side of the fire where it has burned about 300 acres. On the northeast side of the fire, strong winds and dry temperatures helped the blaze jump the 35 Road. Describing fire movement July 10, a Forest Service press release said, “the fire was able to move with authority through the heavy dead and downed timber producing large volumes of smoke.” These billows were clearly visible as far away as Walcott Junction, and contributed to hazy conditions in the area.
Although the number of firefighters working in the area was only around 150 over the weekend, there were 232 working as of July 12. This is down from a high of 562 firefighters assigned to the blaze on June 30. Resources were demobilized following rain and dampness in the first few days of July, according to Forest Service press releases.
As of July 12, there was one bulldozer, three helicopters, 19 engines and three crews working to stop the blaze. Personnel have been working night shifts for days.
“Crews are out ahead of the fire’s path, scouting areas north of the fire into Wyoming determining where structure protection will be necessary,” the release says.”
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