Florissant Fossil Beds hit by wildfire

March 4, 2009 - 3:29 PM
THE GAZETTE

A 41-acre wildfire at the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument was 75 percent contained by Wednesday afternoon, officials said. The blaze in the eastern portion of the monument was reported at 3:10 p.m. Tuesday, and 40 firefighters and 10 engines were called to contain it, the National Park Service said in a release.

No structures have been threatened by the fire, and all but a very small portion has been contained within the monument, Teller County Sheriff's Deputy Mikel Baker said. A small crew remained at the site Wednesday to control hot spots.

Portions of Lower Twin Rock Road and Manchester Drive reopened Wednesday afternoon with reduced speed limits, Baker said.