Crews Report Progress In Converse County Fire

Fire crews battling the Russells Camp fire in Converse County are making some headway, reporting 25-percent containment on the blaze Monday morning. The fire has consumed more than 5,200 acres, and is located about 32 miles south of Glenrock. More than 600 personnel are involved in the firefighting operations, along with 7 helicopters and 16 hand crews.

According to officials with the U.S. Forest Service, homes and cabins along Cold Springs Road, also known as County Road 24, are still threatened by the fire. Since it began more than a week ago, the fire has burned over Buffalo Peak, south of Squaw Mountain and west to East Box Elder Creek.

The hot, dry conditions, along with very rugged terrain are making it difficult to get crews into some areas. Fire officials say the weather forecast is calling for lighter winds, which should help their efforts, but possible thunderstorms could pose problems, especially if they are accompanied by lightning.

The fire is burning on the Medicine Bow National Forest, along with state and private lands.