CHAFFEE COUNTY, Colo. – A fire that had been burning in Colorado for over a month is now 100% contained thanks to snow that fell in the area overnight.
The Decker Fire near Salida was sparked by a lightning strike on Sept. 8. Since then, it scorched thousands of acres across multiple counties.
Fire officials tell the Associated Press that about 4 inches of snow fell at the fire command post between Wednesday and Thursday, but they assume more “white gold” blanketed the fire at higher elevations.
With the fire now contained, the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday that all pre-evacuation orders which were in place for the county’s residents and all Stage 2 fire restrictions are hereby canceled.
“This is an excellent opportunity to thank all residents who were affected by the Decker Fire for their outstanding patience and cooperation during this entire operation,” wrote Sheriff John A. Spezze. “I also want to thank ALL residents of Chaffee County for their assistance during the Decker Fire. Our community is second to none.”
The sheriff says there will be no burn restrictions in unincorporated Chaffee County at this time. Residents are reminded that this does not include lands within the United State Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management boundaries.
Even though firefighters have stopped the spread of the fire, officials want to remind the public that the fire is not yet out.
