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All mandatory evacuations lifted for Weston Pass Fire

Posted at 8:45 PM, Jul 10, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-10 22:45:43-04

There’s more good news to report from the front lines of the Weston Pass Fire burning in Park County.

The fire is now 64 percent contained, and all mandatory evacuation orders were lifted Tuesday, that includes evacuation orders for the Campground of the Rockies, which has been under those orders for more than a week.

Highway 285 has been reopened in the area, but access to the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness and Pike National Forest in the fire area is restricted.

The speed limit on Highway 285 from south of Fairplay to Antero Junction is now 50 mph and no stopping is allowed in the fire area.

Firefighters on the north and east sides of the fire reported progress in containing the fire Tuesday. Thunderstorms in the area grounded some air operations, but helicopters were able to make bucket drops to keep the fire from flaring up in some areas. More than 500 firefighters continue work to contain the fire.

The fire started on June 28 from a lightning strike and has burned 13,023 acres.