Big Elk Containment Expected Saturday

The Big Elk Fire, now with containment lines around 70 percent of the perimeter, is expected to be fully contained by 6 p.m. Saturday, say fire officials.

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The blaze, five miles southeast of Estes Park, Colo., was estimated to have consumed 4,413 acres, according to the Forest Service.

The fire started July 17 from a malfunctioning catalytic converter on a vehicle parked along side county Road 47 near Pinewood Springs, Colo.

One historic cabin was destroyed in the fire, but no homes were lost, said fire officials. At its peak, the fire threatened hundreds of homes.

All evacuations were lifted Wednesday, but residents living near the fire were told to remain ready to leave at a moment's notice.

U.S. Highway 36 has reopened, but county Road 47 remains open only to residents of the area.

Two slurry bomber pilots were killed fighting the fire, which is estimated to have cost more than $3.3 million to fight, so far. Nearly 500 firefighters were still at the fire line Thursday.

There is a recorded information line for residents living near the fire. The number is (970) 498-1030.

Other Colorado Wildfires

North of Steamboat Springs, Colo., the 1,446-acre Hinman fire was contained. The lighting-caused fire started July 12.

Crews have started rehabilitation efforts, such as building water diversions to prevent erosion. Firefighters also are conducting mop-up operations, extinguishing any sources of smoke they find.

The Lost Lake and Green Creek fires south of Steamboat Springs were 25 percent contained, burning across 4,094 acres. Twelve residences were threatened, but there were no evacuations.

Roads and trails in the East Williams Fort Basin remain closed because of hazards of falling dead and living trees, rolling rocks and unpredictable fire behavior.

Near Glenwood Springs, Colo., the White River National Forest reopened No Name trail and the Meadow Lake area and campground off the New Castle to Buford Road. The areas had been closed due to wildfires.

The Spring Creek Fire above New Castle, Colo., was fully contained Sunday, and the Coal Seam Fire near Glenwood Springs, Colo., is no longer considered a threat.