A larger Type 2 firefighting unit took over on Tuesday, and more crews are working to suppress the fire, said Shawna Hartman, public information officer for the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Blue Team in Norwood.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve made good progress on the north and south sides at strengthening the containment lines,\u201d she said Thursday. \u201cThe next two days will be challenging due to high winds.\u201d<\/p>\n
The fire has stayed at 1,240 acres since Tuesday, up from 1,048 on Sunday. It is 50 percent contained, up from 5 percent on Tuesday. No injuries or structures have been reported.<\/p>\n
The San Miguel Sheriff\u2019s Office has issued pre-evacuation orders for residents in the Sandy\u2019s Fort Pass and North Mountain areas east and southeast of the fire.<\/p>\n
\u201cPre-evacuation means be prepared to leave at a moment\u2019s notice by packing up essential items and medication. Make sure you have a full tank of gas and have a plan on where to take your pets and animals,\u201d said Susan Lilly, public information officer for the San Miguel Sheriff\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n
She said deputies have been going door to door to inform residents.<\/p>\n
There is also a road closure near the fire at Road 28T and Highway 141 to prevent onlookers from getting too close to the fire. Landowners and fire personnel will still be allowed to get through, Lilly said.<\/p>\n
There are 272 fire personnel involved with the Horse Park Fire, with about 80 stationed in Norwood and almost 200 fighting the fire, Hartman said.<\/p>\n
An infrared flyover conducted Tuesday evening revealed the fire was at about 1,240 acres, a smaller footprint than the 1,500 acres reported on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are unburned pockets of fuel within that acreage creating a mosaic pattern within the fire perimeter,\u201d Hartman said.<\/p>\n
The fire is burning moderately through pi\u00f1on-juniper and Gambel oak, but could flare up Thursday, fed by 20-35 mph southwest winds and warmer, dry weather. The focus will be on strengthening containment lines where winds could push the fire, Hartman said. The area is relied on by ranchers, so firefighters are working to protect grazing lands and ranchers\u2019 cabins.<\/p>\n