GRAND COUNTY, CO. — The Silver Creek Fire burning 16 miles northwest of Kremmling increased to 12,611 acres on Wednesday, according to fire officials, and is being influenced by breezy southwest winds.
The fire, which was started by a lightning strike on July 19, remains at 35 percent containment. It has more than doubled in size in the last couple of days.
Pre-evacuation notices were issued for Rabbit Ears Village, Bear Mountain Ranch and the Lake Agnes area. Grand County issued an evacuation order for the Milk Creek State Wildlife Area in an effort to clear hunters from the fire’s projected path.
The Latigo Ranch and Yost Ranch neighborhoods are still under evacuation.
Residents in the Gore Lakes and Old Park were evacuated on Friday, and were told on Monday they could return home, but need to be ready to leave at a moment's notice.
Aircraft have been busy assisting firefighters on the ground. The fire was active in timber pockets with moderate to longer range spotting downwind on Tuesday.
The wind pushed fire in the sagebrush/grass to the east and the timber to the north. Larger helicopters made water drops to keep it in check, while small helicopters were used for recon and eventually assisting with aerial ignition for burn out operations planned for later in the week.
More than 501 firefighters are now working the fire.
There are area closures National Forest, BLM and State Trust Lands near the fire.
Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect for Routt National Forest System lands.
