Cooler weather helps fight Hope Valley fire

Cooling temperatures and slowing winds are helping crews get a handle on a 125-acre fire burning in Hope Valley on both sides of Burnside Lake Road.

According to a 10:30 p.m. update posted by Fire Information Officer Mark Struble, crews have a line around 5 percent of the fire that started 4:06 p.m. Sunday.

Firefighters have been watching the weather that included a red flag warning up until 8 p.m. Sunday, when winds shifted to the north and humidity began to rise.

Temperatures are expected to be near freezing tonight and Monday night, which should help slow the spread of the fire, which grew to 125 acres in the first two hours it was burning.

Firefighters hope to have the fire completely surrounded by 6 p.m. Wednesday, according to the National Incidents Web site.

A firefighter injured his back while battling the blaze. Struble reported he was treated and released back to his home unit. In all 183 firefighters are working on the fire, including six handcrews and 16 engines. The fire is burning in heavy timber.

Evacuations have been conducted for those staying at Sorenson's Resort, Hope Valley Resort, Crystal Springs Campground, Kit Carson Campground, Hope Valley Campground and about 20 homes on Douglas Way, across Highway 88 from Sorenson's.

The evacuation center is at Diamond Valley School in Woodfords.

Highway 88 remains open tonight, but motorists should watch for traffic related to the fire. The Forest Service roads to Burnside Lake and Pickett's Peak are closed. The road to Blue Lakes remains open.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.