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Turret Fire in Flat Tops 30 percent contained as of Monday

Staff report

turret fire update:

Location: 22 miles northeast of Glenwood Springs and 4 miles northwest of Sweetwater Lake in the Flat Tops Wilderness in Garfield County

Size: 6.5 acres with no new growth

Containment: 30 percent

A fire that started in the Flat Tops Wilderness on Thursday has reached 6.5 acres in size, and with no new growth fire officials continue to monitor it with new updates expected today.

As of Monday, the fire remained at 30 percent contained with no new growth, according to Kate Jerman, White River National Forest public affairs officer.

The cause of the fire remains unknown.



Cool overnight temperatures in addition to mop-up efforts by local firefighters over the weekend helped ensure the fire did not spread. On Monday, firefighters continued to focus on strengthening the containment line and addressing smoldering hot spots within the interior of the fire when it was safe to do so, according to a statement.

Additionally, crews are patrolling around the fire area checking for and extinguishing hot spots or small spot fires that may have occurred during the initial days of the fire.




A Type 2 helicopter may be used as needed to conduct water bucket drops within the interior of the fire, targeting smoldering hot spots in coordination with firefighters working on the ground, according to the statement.

Wisps of smoke may be visible for the next several days due to interior smoldering, Jerman said, adding that conditions are again expected to be warm and dry throughout the day today.

The public is strongly encouraged to avoid the area. An area closure order is in place between Shingle Peak and Turret Peak trails. Other closures in the area may occur, as well.