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Crews Near Containment of Pine Ridge, Waldo Canyon Fires

by KREX News Room
by Christina Marrazza

Story Created: Jul 4, 2012 at 7:26 AM MDT

Story Updated: Jul 4, 2012 at 7:29 AM MDT

DE BEQUE, Colo.- It's a Happy Fourth of July for Colorado firefighters. Great progress has been made on the Pine Ridge Fire near De Beque, as well as the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs.

Fire crews have reached 95 percent containment on the Pine Ridge Fire. The blaze, which started last week, has burned nearly 14,000 acres.

Firefighters have been working around the clock fighting the flames in hot weather and difficult terrain. On Wednesday they'll reinforce the fire line in small areas along the southeast and northeast corners.

An estimated 450 people are working on the blaze. Full containment of the Pine Ridge Fire is expected sometime Wednesday.

In Colorado Springs, fire crews are close to having a handle on the Waldo Canyon Fire, which is the most destructive wildfire in state history.

Crews have reached 80 percent containment on the blaze, which has burned more than 18,000 acres.

Thousands of evacuees have been able to return home.

Officials say they're hoping to have the Waldo Canyon Fire completely contained this weekend.

Fire officials say even though there's been significant progress, fire danger remains high and it's important you follow existing fire restrictions. That means no personal fireworks, because even a spark can ignite a fire under these conditions.

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