Favorable fire conditions and a 2-inch layer of snow are helping crews gain the upper hand on at 3,498 acre fire burning in . Fire officials say the , which is now 60 percent contained, will continue to smolder in heavy fuels but the snow fall will prevent any further spread.
The fire area is littered with downed and beetle-killed trees, creating hazardous conditions for firefighters. Currently, 361 personnel are on the scene. they hope to reach full containment by Dec. 31.
Residents living near the border of the park were sent an emergency notification Saturday afternoon sayings that all evacuation and pre-evacuation orders had been lifted.
The fire began burning Oct. 9 about 3 miles west of Estes Park. Officials are still investigating the cause, which is believe to have resulted from an escaped campfire. The cost to battle the High Park Fire has exceeded $5.4 million.
