Galena Fire at 75% containment Sunday night

Total acreage burned expected to rise

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A helicopter with a water bucket prepares to drop water on the Galena Fire Saturday.
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Galena fire by Derek Rudd 3.16.13 for web_1363527500775.jpeg

The Galena Fire burning west of Fort Collins Mar. 16, 2013.
(Photo courtesy: Derek Rudd)
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Galena Fire

The fire is seen across the Horsetooth Reservoir on Friday.
Copyright 2013 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Posted: 03/17/2013
Last Updated: 67 days ago

FORT COLLINS, Colo. - At the end of Sunday's firefighting operations, it was anticipated that the Galena Fire would be 75 percent contained, the Larimer County Sheriff's Office said Sunday.

"The total acres involved will likely be higher than previously reported but won't be available until (Monday) upon completion of the mapping effort still under way," a 7 p.m. fire report stated.

Sunday's operations were hampered by the wind but were aided by higher humidity levels, in part from brief rain and snow showers during the afternoon.

"Overall, firefighters had a good day but remain concerned as the wind event continues," the 7 p.m. update said.

There were about 130 personnel involved in fighting the fire on Sunday.  Two Type 2 helicopters worked a short time before being grounded by high winds.  Fire officials hope to use them again Monday.

Fire officials said an investigation into the cause of the fire was still under way, but indications are it was human caused -- but not the result of a campfire, controlled burn or escaped prescribed burn.

Area residents were advised to remain alert to changing conditions. As the wind event continues, smoke and flames will continue to be visible within the perimeter of the fire.

South Bay, Inlet Bay, Lory State Park and Horsetooth Mountain Park remain closed.

No injuries have been reported and no structures have been damaged.

The next fire update will be on Monday, unless significant changes occur before then.

Copyright 2013 Scripps Media, Inc. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


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