SILVERTON, Colo. — The Ice Fire near Silverton was at 583 acres and 25% contained, according to Thursday morning's update from officials.
Crews were preparing for a dry, gusty and warm day Thursday, though some precipitation was in the forecast for the weekend.
The fire is burning in heavy, mixed conifer timber on San Juan National Forest lands. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Calm winds Tuesday allowed firefighters to attack the fire from both the ground and air. Firefighters have increased containment from 15% to 25% in the last two days and allowed only minimal fire growth.
The Ice Fire was first reported Monday afternoon, according to the incident management team. The cause is unknown and remains under investigation.
The incident management team said the fire is burning in steep terrain in the South Mineral Creek drainage, which is about five miles west of Silverton.
Officials ordered a forest area closure for this area in the San Juan National Forest. Click here for details on the closure and click here for a map.
Smoke will be visible from Highway 550, Silverton, Durango, and other surrounding areas and communities.
For more information, call the Ice Fire Public Information Officer at 970-426-5491.
