According to a written release from the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office containment of the fire remains at 45 percent. A second type two helicopter is expected Sunday.
Conditions have improved significantly for the type three firefighting team battling the Galena Firenorthwest of Fort Collins. All residents who were evacuatedreturned home Saturday night, but remained on pre-evacuation alert.
In the written release fire officials warn that Larimer County residents will continue to see activity in the interior of the fire with active flames and tree torching. Winds are expected to increase Sunday afternoon which will result in lots of smoke in the Fort Collins area.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Poudre Fire Authority Chief Tom DeMint says the blaze began near the entrance of Lory State Park. Poudre Fire Authority investigators have determined the cause and origin of the blaze and continue to stress that it was not a controlled or illegal burn, nor a slash pile. DeMint says it wasn’t anyone burning on purpose. The Poudre Fire Authority will work with the Larimer County Sheriff’s Department as well as the Larimer County District Attorney to see if any charges will be filed.
South Bay, Inlet Bay, Lory State Park and Horsetooth Mountain Park remain closed.
