Beaver Creek Fire: Small perimer growth, structure defense remains a priority

A dry thunderstorm moved over a wildfire near the Colorado-Wyoming border, but it had little impact where firefighters have battled the blaze to a standstill at 8 square miles.

Fire crews are focusing on protecting buildings and reducing the risk of the fire spreading in an area of heavy timber with a high percentage of beetle kill, and in some areas of grass and sagebrush.

Officials say 40 residences or cabins remain at risk. So far, only a few structures have burned.

Helicopters were used on the fire Friday, but the weather prevented airplanes from making air drops.

Officials are worried that thunderstorms expected this weekend could bring winds that spread the flames.

Closures are in place for the following areas/recreation sites/roads: Big Creek Lakes Recreation Area (including both upper and lower Big Creek Lake, and Big Creek Lakes Campground), the area east of the Mount Zirkel Wilderness boundary, south of Forest Road 681 and south of Forest Road 80. All of Independence Mountain is closed, Beaver Creek and Seven Lakes Trailheads, County Road 6W, as well as Forest Roads 80 (Hog Park Road), 600, 681, and 689.

The cause of the Beaver Creek Fire remains under investigation, and anyone with information on suspicious activity this past weekend in the Twisty Park area should contact U.S. Forest Service Officer Hannah Nadeau, 307-343-2335. The initial vehicle sought in the investigation has been cleared of suspicion.