Cooler temperatures, higher humidity and reduced winds have aided U.S. Forest Service firefighting crews in battling a wildfire in Park County approximately five miles north of Lake George.

The Platte Springs fire started Monday morning and grew to 200 acres by nightfall and was estimated to have consumed 250 acres by Tuesday afternoon. The fire was estimated to be 70 percent contained Tuesday.

Two 20-person crews were fighting the blaze from the Dakotas and Ft. Collins along with engine crews and other personnel from the U.S. Forest Service ? Pike & San Isabel National Forests. A squad from the Pike Hotshots based in Monument, Colo., worked the fire Monday and Monday night. The Lake George Volunteer Fire Department was providing two water tenders.

Officials estimated that they would have the fire totally contained by Wednesday evening.

Fire danger remains high for the area that has received minimal moisture to date.

According to the Forest Service, firefighter safety is the primary concern in this steep terrain as they work over the next few days to contain the fire. A Forest Service contracted helicopter arrived on the scene from Durango, Colo, Tuesday and, weather permitting, was expected to conduct water-drop operations during the afternoon.

Road and trail closures went into effect Tuesday and will remain in place until further notice. The closure is posted on the Web at the U.S. Forest Service site.

Firefighters were on the scene of another fire in Park County reported Sunday afternoon. The Twin Eagle fire was also on the South Park District of the Pike & San Isabel National Forests and as less than one acre in size.

Previous Stories:

• April 2, 2002: Forest Fire Burning At Pike National Forest