Snowmass Creek fire 90 percent contained Saturday afternoon
Post Independent Staff
SNOWMASS ” The Snowmass Creek fire that started Thursday and grew to more than 50 acres by Friday, was 90 percent contained by Saturday afternoon.
Incident commander Eric Rebitzke reported that Saturday’s weather was “helping greatly with fire suppression.” Rain, snow and cooler temperatures helped crews with containing the blaze.
According to Rebitzke, investigators determined the fire started Thursday around noon when high winds downed a power line about nine miles up Snowmass Creek Road. Because of erratic winds, the fire quickly grew to about 10 acres, putting five to 10 houses in danger. Only one structure ” a shed ” was destroyed in the blaze.
The fire grew to about 25 acres and was 5 percent contained by Friday morning.
Approximately 80 firefighters were working the fire as of 5 p.m. Halloween night. Firefighters came from Snowmass Wildcat Fire Department, Basalt and Rural Fire Protection District, Snowmass Village Public Works, Snowmass Village Fire Department, Snowmass Fire Department, Aspen Volunteer Fire Department, Carbondale Fire Department, and members of the Federal Interagency Team.
Rebitzke reported that because rain, snow and cooler temperatures were forecast for Saturday, crews were reduced on Saturday to 25 firefighters.
The remaining firefighters were in the field looking for hot spots. “Mop-up” crews worked on Saturday as well.
Contact Carrie Click: 945-8515, ext. 518
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