Iron Fire threatens six structures; no evacuation orders in place
Courtesy photo
Burning about 18 miles northwest of Craig, the Iron Fire is now estimated at 7,361 acres, though no evacuation orders have been issued.
The fire was first reported at 11:56 a.m. Friday, and its cause remains under investigation. As of Saturday, Sept. 30, the fire was 0% contained.
According to the Bureau of Land Management, the fire spread rapidly Friday, fueled by gusty winds and a fuel-ready, rugged terrain. The fire had grown to encompass more than 5,500 acres by Friday evening.
Suppression efforts are currently underway. Among the crews fighting the blaze are fire engines, hand crews, heavy equipment and aviation assets.
A Type 3 fire team has assumed command of the fire-suppression efforts. On Saturday, 54 firefighters were working to contain the blaze.
A Red Flag warning was also issued for Saturday. While high winds remain a concern, authorities expressed some hope with a 40% chance of precipitation Monday.
Moffat County Road 17 has been closed from Country Road 7 to County Road 3, and Moffat County Road 5 has also been closed from Country Road 3 to Country Road 7.
Smoke will be visible from Colorado Highway 13, as well as County Roads 3 and 7, though smoke is not expected to directly affect the roadway.
People are being reminded that drones can seriously interfere with aerial firefighting efforts and should never be flown near wildfires.
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