Since a lightning strike ignited the Lowline fire burning in western Colorado, the flames spread to 1,693 acres and, as of Tuesday night, containment reached 38%.
Tuesday night, fire officials announced rainy weather and high humidity allowed firefighter teams to secure perimeters and construct additional fire lines to contain the flames.
Between 9 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. Wednesday, the fire grew 169 acres, reaching 1,693 total acres, but the 38% containment remained consistent.
The fire is burning on U.S. Forest Service land approximately 14 miles north of Gunnison.
In a Wednesday news release from Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, Incident Commander Dan Dallas said weather conditions will largely control firefighter actions as roads remain wet with slick conditions and afternoon thunderstorms are expected to roll in.
In the release, Dallas said the 419 personnel on site will focus on patrols, mopping up hot spots and removing loose fuel for the fire outside the perimeter.
Mandatory evacuations remain in place for the Squirrel Creek and Mill Creek drainages, but no fire restrictions are in place in Gunnison County.
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