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Park County wildfire growth slows with cooler weather
Posted: 06.20.2012 at 12:55 PM
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The Springer Fire  / FOX21: file photo
Photo

PARK COUNTY, COLO. -- A wildfire burning in Park County west of Colorado Springs has hardly grown in more than 24 hours, and fire officials said they have it nearly a quarter contained as of midday Wednesday.

The Springer Fire started Sunday, grew to nearby 970 acres after Monday's record-high temperatures but as not grown much since. Tuesday morning crews reported it at about 1,100 acres, and that number is now 1,145 Wednesday. It is 23 percent contained.

Cooler temperatures and slightly higher humidity Wednesday have firefighters optimistic they'll be able to make progress putting fire lines in and securing the existing lines, though they said winds could increase fire activity.

The fire is burning about 3.5 miles from Lake George on Pike National Forest land but has not damaged any structures or caused any injuries yet.

U.S. Forest Service officials confirmed it is human-caused and may be tied to recreational shooting. There are 399 firefighters on scene.

Evacuations remain in effect for Wagon Tongue subdivision, Echo Valley subdivision, Circle C Ranch, Beaver Valley Ranch, and Beaver Valley Estates.  An evacuation center has been established at the Woodland Park High School.  Large animals may be taken to the fairgrounds in Cripple Creek.  Small animals may be taken to the Teller County Animal Shelter.

This is the largest of three wildfires that have burned in the county over the past two weeks.

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