Park Creek Fire 80 percent contained

SOUTH FORK — The Park Creek Fire, which ignited on Friday, May 25, was 80 percent contained by Monday evening, according to Rio Grande National Forest Public Affairs Specialist Mike Blakeman.

He added that two more crews were released on Monday after making good progress on the fire whose cause is still under investigation.

“Crews continued to make good progress today,” Blakeman stated on Monday evening. “We expect to release more crews tomorrow and be down to one hotshot crew.”

The wildland fire is burning in grass and spruce-fir forest above Park Creek about eight miles southwest of South Fork on the Rio Grande National Forest. The fire is located on both sides of Park Creek drainage, about one mile southeast of U.S. Highway 160 and eight miles southwest of South Fork.

The fire grew to an estimated size of 60 acres. More than 100 firefighters, five engines and two helicopters worked the fire on Saturday bringing it to 25 percent containment by Sunday morning. Firefighters had to deal with very steep and treacherous country, and one injury was reported, with a firefighter sustaining an ankle injury.

Firefighting crews made excellent progress on Sunday, bringing the fire to 60 percent containment by Sunday evening.

By Monday evening the battle was nearly won, with 80 percent containment.

Still closed as of Monday evening were Forest Service Road 380 from U.S. Highway 160 to junction with FSR 361 and Forest Service Trail 842 (Tewksberry Trail.)

Temporary flight restrictions remain over the closure area bounded by the road closures. Drone flights in the area are prohibited.

Resources on the scene Monday, May 28, included: 1 Crew of 8 smoke jumpers; 2 20-person hotshot crews; 2 engines; 1 Type 2 helicopter; and 1 Type 3 helicopter.

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