After 22 days and 87,284 acres charred, fire managers have announced that the High Park Fire is now fully contained. Mop up operations will continue to deal with hotspots on the edges of the fire.
The High Park Fire started on June 9th due to a lightning strike. Hot temperatures and dry conditions quickly fueled the rapidly spreading fire. What started out at as a reported 40-50 acres quickly swelled to 8,000 acres by the end of day 1. From there the fire expanded on a daily basis, eventually slowing, until growth stopped on June 27th. Even though the fire is contained, there still is activity and patches of heat.
The release from the Larimer Sheriff reads:
It should be noted that "containment" means that a containment line exists around the fire, which fire managers believe will hold the fire within the perimeter. "Control" means that the fire is actually out which, on a fire of this magnitude, typically requires an act of nature such as prolonged rain or snowfall. Hot spots will continue to exist within the perimeter during the containment phase and residents should expect to see smoke for days and weeks as the fire moves from containment to control.
259 total homes were lost in the blaze, the official assessment is still underway. Information can be obtained at 970-619-4086. In addition to home losses the High Park Fire affected several services which are just now returning to normal operations, like mail service. With the declaration of a 'major disaster' in the state, federal assistance resources are available.
All evacuations were lifted on June 30th at Noon. Even though evacuations have been lifted there are still some road restrictions in place, the Larimer Sheriff has an up-to-date list.
The High Park Fire by the numbers:
- 87,284 acres
- Estimated cost: $38.4 million
- Acres by ownership: Private: 39,570; State: 5,022; U.S. Forest Service: 42,634; Bureau of Land Management: 28; Bureau of Reclamation: 30
Current resources assigned to the fire:
- 686 Personnel
- 1 Type 1 Helicopter and 2 Type 3 Helicopters
- Heavy Air Tankers (available if needed)
- 43 Engines
- 5 Type 2 Hand Crews
- 4 Water Tenders
- 3 Dozers
