Jacob Factor
The Denver Post
(TNS)
The Iron Fire in northwest Colorado that ballooned to over six thousand acres within hours Friday is now burning at over 7,300 acres as of Saturday afternoon.
The fire, which is about 18 miles northwest of Craig in Moffat County, is at 7,361 acres, Moffat County sheriff’s officials said in a 2:21 p.m. update, and six structures are threatened.
No evacuations have been ordered.
The burn area is a mix of private ranch land and BLM land, according to Moffat County property records.
The fire was first reported just before noon Friday, and early updates from the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office estimated the fire at only 170 acres, but high winds caused the fire to spread, BLM Colorado Communications Director Steven Hall said on Friday.
Gusty winds, receptive fuel bed, remote, and rugged terrain led to initial large fire growth, Moffat County officials said.
Over 50 firefighters are currently working toward containing the blaze, officials said, but as of the update, the fire was 0% contained.
A Red Flag warning is in effect for the area due to more gusty winds that could reach up to 40 mph, critical fuels and low humidity. Winds could get worse Sunday, but the area has a 40% chance of precipitation Monday, county officials said.
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