WETMORE, Wash. -- Moisture and cool temperatures have greatly assisted firefighters fighting the Wetmore Fire. The fire, which ignited Tuesday, is now 95 percent contained and remains at 1,998 acres.
The fire has been inactive, exhibiting no movement for the last couple of days, according to Craig Beckner, operations section chief.
"Things are going really good with the fire now," Denise Adamic, public information officer for the Wetmore fire, said.
Saturday morning 240 firefighters were working on the fire but by Saturday evening that number was down to 165, according to Adamic.
"They have been letting a lot of folks go," Adamic said. "What they will focus on now is mostly mopping up hot spots and patrolling the area."
Adamic said the fire would not be declared 100 percent contained until at least this morning.
"They have to be really confident to declare it 100 percent contained," she said.
A Type IV incident management team took over the fire from a Type II incident management team Saturday at 5 p.m.
All residents have been allowed to go back home but there is restricted access on County Road 389.
The fire perimeter is closed to everyone but residents and firefighting personnel.
At least 14 structures were lost in the blaze.
Adamic said that people might see smoke off and on in the next couple of days but not to panic because it's expected.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Incident Commander Jay Esperance expressed his gratitude for local firefighters and agencies.
"It's been an honor working with everyone," he said.
Copyright 2012 - The Pueblo Chieftain, Colo.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
