Devils Thumb Fire now 37% contained; lightning strike to blame, says USFS

[ad_1]

DENVER The Devil’s Thumb Fire that has burned northeast of Fraser in Grand County since Independence Day is now 37% contained, US Forest Service officials said Wednesday.

The wildfire, which now covers 81 acres, started in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area in the Arapaho National Forest, 7 miles northeast of Fraser. It was ignited by a lightning strike, according to firefighters.

In a July 14 update, officials said the steep slopes, rough terrain and unstable conditions posed significant challenges to firefighting operations, as the fire area was full of dead and leaning or snagged trees, posing an extremely dangerous situation for firefighters.

Denver 7+ Colorado News Latest Headlines | July 20, 11 a.m.

Residents of Grand, Boulder and Gilpin counties and surrounding areas may continue to see smoke throughout the summer and fall until natural moisture controls the fire, fire officials said, as the region will continue to experience hot, dry weather for the next several weeks, which may contribute to occasional active fire behavior and visible smoke.

Smoke is also expected to drift into the Boulder Valley under certain weather conditions due to the location of the fires just west of the Continental Divide, which could impact cities from Nederland to the city of Boulder, officials said.

The follow-up

What do you want Denver7 to track? Is there a story, topic, or issue you’d like us to revisit? Let us know with the contact form below.

[ad_2]