ALBANY COUNTY — The Mullen Fire is roughly 175,564 acres as of Sunday at noon, and there are approximately 1,214 firefighters and support staff. Crews have achieved 27 percent containment.
Precipitation on the fire yesterday reduced fire activity and spread; however, strong winds impacted the use of aircraft. Continued strong winds today will limit aircraft operations.
Fire on the north edge continues to progress slowly due to west winds. Structure protection supplies have been pre-positioned in Ryan Park, and the community conducted a cleanup of brush to help firefighters protect structures if needed.
Active fire continues around Albany, west of Keystone, and in the Foxborough and Fox Park areas. Firefighters continue to monitor hot spots near the southeast side of the fire perimeter, and structure protection remains in place in Keystone, Rambler, Albany, Foxborough, Mountain Home, and Fox Park.
Minimal fire progression toward Centennial is expected, but fire activity will increase as drier conditions return with southwesterly winds, warming temperatures, and lower humidity. Fire line has been established in the Middle Creek area between the fire and Centennial. As a precaution, structure protection in Centennial continues to be a high priority.
Colorado Hwy 127 from 125 to the Wyoming border has reopened to local residents. Residents can access their property but remain under a pre-evacuation order and need to be ready to evacuate quickly if conditions change. The power company is assessing this area to restore power. All other closures and evacuations remain.
A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team arrives today to begin assessment of damage to natural resources and prescribe emergency stabilization actions intended to reduce potential future damage from post-fire erosion, flooding, and debris flows.
To stay updated on Mullen Fire activity, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7208/.
