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Coal Gulch Fire 90 percent contained

Firefighters kept fire from spreading
The Coal Gulch Fire, burning on state land in the Perins Peak State Wildlife Area, was 90 percent contained as of Monday night. On Saturday, the ability to use water from a private pond for helicopter drops was crucial in limiting the growth of the fire.

The Coal Gulch Fire was 90 percent contained as of Monday night.

The fire was reported late Saturday afternoon about a half mile north of U.S. Highway 160 just west of Lightner Creek Road (County Road 207). It’s burning in the Perins Peak State Wildlife Area.

The fire grew to 5.8 acres in the first two hours, and held at about 5.86 acres, the amount reported Sunday night, on Monday, said Fire Marshal Karola Hanks of Durango Fire Protection District.

“The same crews will continue to work it tomorrow (Tuesday),” she said. “They’ll be looking for lingering hot spots and making sure all of the containment line is sufficient to hold it.”

No structures were threatened or destroyed by the fire.

“(Deputy Chief) Randy Black said the weather really gave us a break this week,” Hanks said. “That gives you a chance to get ahead of it.”

In addition to Durango Fire, crews from Columbine Wildland Fire, Skidgine, a small overhead crew, and Idaho Panhandle are working the fire with assistance from the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of Emergency Management.

Durango Fire will release its next update when the fire reaches 100 percent containment, which firefighters hope will be Tuesday.

abutler@durangoherald.com

Jul 26, 2016
Coal Gulch Fire 95 percent contained
Jul 24, 2016
Coal Gulch Fire 75 percent contained as of Sunday night
Jul 23, 2016
Wildfire sparks west of Durango near Lightner Creek area


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