Fort Collins, CO –The weather played a large role in helping firefighters yesterday with rain and snow developing over the fire area.  The downsides however were slick roads and potentially treacherous conditions.  Even with help from Mother Nature, the fire was still active beneath downed vegetation and snow with open flames occasionally seen.  With safety managers concerned for firefighters’ well-being, they were pulled off the line after conditions became too wet and cold.  There were no air operations yesterday due to weather conditions.  Night operations were suspended due to successful mitigation around residences.

Today will be a good day for firefighters on the line to further evaluate and assess the current situation.  Operations today will focus on line construction, mitigating rolling debris, and taking the time to find and extinguish hotspots.  The weather today will bring slightly warmer temperatures and wind under mostly cloudy skies.  There is also a possibility of rain and snow showers.  Helicopters may be able to work this afternoon supporting ground crews with bucket drops depending on weather conditions.  There is one additional helicopter arriving today.

Evacuations –None.

Safety – Please be aware of fire traffic and be considerate of crews and residents.  Fire area traffic is heaviest to and from the fire area in mornings and evenings from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Quick Facts:

• Fire Start Date: 04/01/2011
• Cause: Under Investigation
• Fire Size: 3,200 acres
• Contained: 45%
• Total Personnel: Approximately 425 with resources still arriving.
• Estimated containment date: 04/08/2011
• Additional resources: 5 crews, 4 helicopters, 27 engines
• Unit Identifiers/Agencies: 34
• Evacuations: See above
• Burned Residences: 15