DENVER — Firefighters continue to make progress on multiple wildfires burning in Colorado.
Plumtaw Fire
The 721-acre Plumtaw Fire’s containment increased to 91% as of 11 a.m. Thursday. The fire is burning seven miles north of Pagosa Springs, and it’s showing little heat, according to fire officials.
There was initial concern about how close the fire was to the Lost Valley of the San Juans subdivision to the north, but all roads and trails around the Plumtaw Fire are currently open and some crews are being released.
RELATED: Containment increases at Plumtaw Fire after cool, wet weather
The cause of the fire, which was first reported on May 17 around 1 p.m., remains under investigation.
Perins Peak Fire
The Perins Peak Fire burning northwest of Durango remains at 106 acres as of June 1. Containment has increased to 80%.
The major concern when the fire first sparked on May 24 was the proximity to the City of Durango and people in the areas near County Road 208, the Dry Fork and Rockridge subdivisions and County Road 206 to Highway 160.
RELATED: Some pre-evacuations around Perins Peak Fire lifted Friday as containment reaches 36%
As of Thursday, no evacuation warnings are in place, though fire danger remains high. Trail closures have been lifted, but Perins State Wildlife Area will stay closed through July to protect sensitive wildlife.
Firefighters are continuing work to keep any remaining fire within the established perimeter, and fire behavior continues to be minimal.
The fire’s cause is under investigation, however, fire officials previously confirmed that they believe the fire wasstarted by a person or people.
Menkhaven Fire
The Menkhaven Fire remains at 242 acres. Containment on the fire burning approximately 7 miles northwest of Fox Creek was up to 65% as of Thursday afternoon. By Saturday, containment was up to 90%.
The multi mission aircraft conducted an infrared reconnaissance mission on Wednesday, which will provide ground crews with information on residual heat locations that could pose a threat to control lines. The fire has stopped spreading, and firefighters have been working on mop up along the perimeters. Officials said they'll begin demobilizing crews Friday evening.
RELATED: Menkhaven Fire burning in Conejos County now 65% contained
Mandatory evacuations have all lifted. One lane traffic continued on Highway 17 through the fire area Thursday, but has since reopened with no restrictions. Forest Service Road #102 also reopened, and Forest Service Road #101 will reopen Saturday.
The Conejos County sheriff has confirmed the fire started on May 28 from sparks created by a tree on a powerline.
