PARK COUNTY — The National Forest Service has issued a formal fire area closure order for the Shawnee Peak fire Thursday afternoon, which grew to 50 acres and is now 40% contained.
NFS reported Thursday's fire activity continued to be moderate "with creeping, smoldering, and isolated and group torching." NFS said the fire will continue to burn Friday through unburned fuel between the fire perimeter and firelines crews worked on this week.
The firefighters will continue to monitor fire activity throughout the day Friday.
NFS said the fire closure area is to "protect natural resources and public safety due to the continuing impacts of the Shawnee Peak wildland fire."
NFS said crews continued to reduce any hazardous fuel in Shawnee and completed the work. They also said structure assessments in the town of Shawnee, located about three miles away from the fire, was completed earlier this week.
Firefighters completed reinforcement of the fireline east of the fire and south along the Craig Creek Trail. NFS said they did this by burning out unburned fuel between the fire and the fireline.
There are 208 personnel working on both air and ground support, including hot shot crews and helicopters. NFS said the crews are using natural fire barriers and incorporating trails for the fireline perimeter.
NFS first reported the fire Monday afternoon. Be sure to check back with News5 for updates throughout the day.
