^[1]Fort Collins, CO – Winds are expected to increase today as crews continue to construct and secure fire lines along the perimeter of the fire. A Red Flag warning has not been posted for the burn area, though lower relative humidity and warmer temperatures are expected. The Crystal Fire began on April 1, has burned a total of 3,200 acres, and is 55% contained.

Air resources will continue to support fire crews with water drops targeting spot fires along the South, Southwestern and North, Northwestern perimeters of the fire. A total of 121,015 gallons of water and 14,514 gallons of retardant has been dropped on the Crystal Fire. Crews continue to operate along steep slopes with unsure footing due to the recent moisture received on the burn area. A remote base or “spike camp” is being established along the Northwestern edge of the fire where crews will operate from to address safety and cost concerns.

“Firefighter and public safety is a high priority during our fight against the Crystal Fire” said Russ Long, Operations Section Chief for the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team 1. “While much of heat from the fire has been removed, smoke will continue to be seen by residents along the Foothills as the fire wakes up again amid the return to warmer weather”.

Fire restrictions adopted by the Board of Larimer County Commissioners and within Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grasslands on April 5 remain in place.

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