Colorado Wildfire Nearing Full Containment

March 31, 2012

A blaze that may have been sparked by a prescribed burn conducted by the Colorado State Forest Service and ignited by high winds on Monday is now at 90 percent containment, the Forest Service said Saturday afternoon.

The Lower North Fork wildfire in Jefferson County is estimated to have consumed 4,140 acres and has reportedly destroyed 25 structures, revised downward from 27, and killed two people.

Evacuations are still in effect for 180 homes. Personnel on the fire number 786, and five helicopters are available as needed.

At one point 900 homes had to be evacuated.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has started to assist with funding.

If the Forest Service is found to be responsible for starting the fire, under a Colorado law, which limits liability for the state and its taxpayers, the state would only be liable to pay up to $600,000 total.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Colorado

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