150 fire-threatened homes OK
Lightning started 1,000-acre blaze in Park County
Alan Gathrightand John C. Ensslin, Rocky Mountain News
Published June 27, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.
Updated June 27, 2008 at 11:54 p.m.
Photo by Kevin Kreck / The Gazette
A firefighter watches over the 1,100-acre fire burning in southern Park County.
Photo by Kevin Kreck / The Gazette
A single-engine air tanker drops retardant Friday on the fire burning near Guffey.
Firefighters made progress Friday against a lightning- sparked wildfire that has scorched more than 1,000 acres in Park County, saving 150 homes that residents were forced to evacuate.
Fire crews, aided by dying winds, were able to shield the threatened Bear Trap subdivision, Park County spokeswoman Linda Balough said.
"They're looking real positive at getting that puppy under control," she said.
It's safe enough that evacuated residents who want to retrieve items from their homes in Bear Trap can get an escort at the 4-Mile Church in Teller County, Balough said.
About 125 firefighters - aided by air tankers - are battling the Nash Ranch Fire, which is about 50 miles south of Fairplay, Balough said. More fire crews are rushing to the scene.
Meanwhile the Federal Emergency Management Agency authorized federal funds to help with firefighting costs.
"Whenever a wildfire threatens large numbers of homes and looks like it may become a major disaster, we can help cover costs, so the state can do what it needs to do to fight the fire," said Garry Briese, a FEMA regional administrator.
The action makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state's eligible firefighting costs.
Authorities believe the fire was caused by a lightning strike Wednesday near the Nash Ranch, about 12 miles east of Guffey.
"It was one of those things that just kind of smoldered down in the dust and cut loose when the wind kicked in," Balough said Thursday.
There is a staging area for animals rescued from the evacuated area at the 4-Mile Church. Livestock and pets will be shifted to Teller County Fairgrounds in Cripple Creek.
Those who are concerned about their animals can call the Teller County Fairgrounds at 719-689-0393 for information.
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