GOOD NEWS ON THE UTE PARK FIRE BURNING IN COLFAX COUNTY. THE FIRE, WHICH HAS GROWN TO MORE THAN 36-THOUSAND ACRES, IS NOW 25 PERCENT CONTAINED. AND THE EVACUATION ORDER FOR THE VILLAGE OF CIMARRON HAS BEEN LIFTED. WENDY MASON WITH THE STATE FORESTRY DIVISION SAYS THE AREA DID GET SOME RAIN SUNDAY. IT WASN’T AS HEAVY AS EXPECTED, WHICH WAS GOOD BECAUSE IT MEANT THEY DIDN’T HAVE TO DEAL WITH ANY FLOOD CONCERNS.
NO RESIDENCES HAVE BURNED…BUT 14 OUTBUILDINGS AT THE PHILMONT SCOUT RANCH WERE DESTROYED THE DAY THE FIRE BROKE OUT ON MAY 31ST. AROUND 500 PERSONNEL ARE BATTLING THE FLAMES…INCLUDING 13 CREWS, 8 HELICOPTERS, 19 ENGINES, TWO BULLDOZERS AND SIX WATER TENDERS.
