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East Fork Fire in southern Colorado grows to 450 acres

Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control_East Fork Fire
Posted at 8:56 AM, Aug 28, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-28 10:56:15-04

LAS ANIMAS COUNTY, Colo. — Firefighters are working to further contain the East Fork Fire, which has burned about 450 acres in Las Animas County in southern Colorado.

The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) said the East Fork Fire, which is burning 11 miles southeast of Trinidad, grew to 450 acres with 10% containment as of Thursday evening.

Three homes along the southeast edge of the fire are threatened by the blaze. In addition, DFPC said the Raton watershed in New Mexico is also threatened by this fire.

The fire is burning in a steep canyon with heavy down and dead fuels. Crews are scouting the area to determine where to establish indirect containment lines, DFPC said. Firefighters also plan to begin burnout operations on the west, north and east sides of the fire, while guiding the fire to the best of their ability into natural barriers.

A large air tanker and multi-mission aircraft are helping ground crews.

Las Animas County is under a Stage 1 Fire Restriction.