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Mullen Fire, now expanded into northern Colorado, grows by more than 10,000 acres overnight

Posted at 10:17 AM, Oct 01, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-01 15:47:24-04

JACKSON COUNTY, Colo. — The Mullen Fire southwest of Centennial, Wyoming in the Medicine Bow National Forest grew to 117,240 acres overnight, according to Medicine Bow National Forest officials. It crossed the border into Jackson County, Colorado on Wednesday, prompting evacuations.

Despite growing in size by more than 10,000 acres since Wednesday evening, officials say winds were favorable for firefighters to limit the fire's spread by removing fuels along the roads and fire lines. They were also able to improve their defense of Albany, Keystone and areas east of Rob Roy Reservoir. They also worked to interrupt the fire's progression southeast near Wyoming-Colorado border.

Firefighters also worked to limit the possible impacts of the fire on homes in and near the footprint. The firefighting team currently includes 934 people.

Weather is expected to be warm and dry with gusts of wind up to 20 mph.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The fire started 38 miles west of Laramie, Wyoming on Sept. 17. The Mullen Fire is contributing to the Front Range's poor air quality.