THE Menkhaven Fire is now reported to be 50 percent contained at 242 acres. Both aerial and ground firefighters made good progress in establishing and securing containment lines on all the fire’s flanks. The weather provided some assistance with cooler temperatures and light precipitation. Sustained high winds have tested the control lines which have held strong.
Evacuations were lifted at 9 p.m. on Monday and Highway 17 was reopened.
One-lane traffic on the highway going through the fire area during the day is expected for a few days.
Forest Road #101 has been closed at Fox Creek and the forest boundary north of Horca.
Conejos County Sheriff Garth Crowther issued a news release earlier today that announced the fire was caused by sparks from a powerline.
FAST FACTS
Reported: 3:15 pm on Saturday, May 28, 2022
Size: 242 acres (MMA flight mapped on May 30)
Containment: 50%
Cause: Sparks from a power line
Location: Approximately 7 miles west of Fox Creek, on Colorado Highway 17 near Cumbres Pass
Incident Commander: Ty Webb
Firefighters assigned: 158
Fuels: Ponderosa, mixed conifer, Aspen, timber litter