Firefighters say steep terrain limits fire fight

By The AP
Tuesday, June 21, 2011

WESTCLIFFE — Firefighters say steep terrain is hampering their efforts to contain a wildfire in southern Colorado.

The U.S. Forest Service says the potential for the fire to grow on the west flank of the Duckett fire remains moderate, but directly engaging the fire on the western flank presents unacceptable risks to firefighter safety.

Crews have contained 75 percent of the wildfire in southern Colorado and most of the people forced out of their homes are returning home.

Fire managers said Monday evening that crews on the 7-square-mile fire near Westcliffe got a break from the weather. Cooler temperatures kept fire activity minimal.

So far, it has cost nearly $5 million to fight the fire. No structures have burned.