The Oak Ridge wildfire, now burning on 1,240 acres of U.S. Forest Service land in Pueblo County, was 59% contained Sunday, according to fire officials.
On Saturday morning, the fire, sparked by lightning on June 22, was 1,193 acres and 50% contained, double the 25% containment reached on Thursday. Firefighters on Saturday worked to contain the southeastern corner of the fire and protect property in Beulah and the Middle Creek watershed using drip torches and aerial ignition. By Sunday morning, the fire was burning on 1,240 acres and the containment line was 59%, fire officials said in a Sunday update.
Hot, dry weather may cause fuels within the fire perimeter to smoke and burn. Those in the Beulah area on Sunday who are sensitive to smoke are encouraged to stay inside, according to fire officials.
Preevacuation notices remain in effect for Middle Creek Canyon Road, Vine Mesa, Cascade Avenue, Pine Avenue and Beulah Highlands Road.
Trails and roads in the San Carlos Ranger District of the Pike and San Isabel National Forests are shut down until July 26, according to the U.S. Forest Service. There is also a temporary flight restriction over the fire area.
The fire is the first to burn in the area in more than 100 years, forest officials said, and may not be contained until late July.
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