RBC | A fire approximately eight miles up County Road 8 had Rio Blanco Fire, BLM, RBC Road and Bridge and Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s office responding early Sunday afternoon on April 11. The sheriff’s office asked the public to stay clear of the area to allow crews to work.
The fire was reported at approximately 1:06 p.m. and was human-caused, according to Fire Mappers. The Sheriff’s office confirmed the fire was caused by an agricultural burn that went out of control.
As of 5:13 p.m. Sunday, April 12, the estimated size of the fire was 300 acres. A helicopter and a dozer were on-scene to assist.
As of 8 p.m. Monday evening, the fire had burned approximately 800 acres, with zero percent containment reported. A dozer continued to lay down a fire line and crews were on-scene until approximately 10 p.m.
Scanner traffic indicated crews worked to save at least one structure in the area, and the Sheriff’s office stated no structures had been lost as of Monday.
A press release sent out Monday evening listed the fire at 890 acres with 60% containment, with resources continuing work on containment lines.
Crews were able to make good progress Tuesday, and RBCSO reported 80% containment as of Tuesday evening. Smoke will continue to be visible in the area.
“Wildfire behavior is largely contingent upon weather and fuel conditions,” the release stated. “Although crews have made excellent progress on the fire, the potential for fire activity remains high.”
As of Thursday, April 15, the fire was officially 100% contained.
