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Multiple fires ignite across Moffat County

Patrick Kelly
The Milk Fire burns in Moffat County just south of Colowyo Mine. The blaze is estimated at 30 acres.
Patrick Kelly

Firefighters are currently battling three wildland fires in Moffat County.

Two of the fires were reported within minutes of each other around 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, one near Colowyo Mine and one just to the west of Elkhead Reservoir.

Craig Fire/Rescue, Moffat County Sheriff’s Office and The Memorial Hospital Emergency Medical Services responded to the blaze near Elkhead.



South of Colowyo Mine, the Milk Fire is burning approximately 30 acres on Bureau of Land Management territory and on private land, said David Boyd, public affairs specialist for the BLM Northwest Colorado District.

The fire is burning mainly grass, pinyon pine and juniper.



Boyd said BLM and Moffat County have two engines each responding to the Milk Fire, as well as a federally provided helicopter.

In Dinosaur National Monument, lightning sparked the Bench Fire on Friday, and crews are continuing suppression efforts this week.

According to a news release from the National Parks Service, the Bench Fire is holding at 570 acres and is approximately 85 percent contained.

“The primary concern is human health and safety. If houses are in the way, that’s the priority,” said Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesman Mike Porras. “In general, fire can be very beneficial to habitat.”

The Craig Daily Press will provide updates on all of the current fires in the county as information becomes available.


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