Wildfires Latest: Crews make good progress on Beehive and Paradox Trail Fires

PARADOX, Colo. (KJCT) — Crews made substantial progress on both active fires burning on the western slope, with unexpectedly beneficial conditions helping firefighters to keep the fires under control.

Beehive Fire

The Beehive Fire grew very little on Thursday, and incident command said firefighters are making good progress while contending with hot and dry weather. It is now 336 acres and 20% contained.

Incident command reported that firefighters worked from north to south Thursday while engaging the head of the fire and strengthening both flanks. Firefighters also went after areas where residual heat remained.

Thursday’s winds were weaker than expected, which also helped firefighters, incident command said.

Friday’s conditions are expected to be similar to the last several days — hot, dry, and windy. The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for the afternoon.

There are no closures or evacuations in the area. The temporary flight restriction enacted over the fire area remains active.

Paradox Trail Fire

Steady progress continued Friday, with fire crews focusing on strengthening containment lines and improving control over the fire. Firefighters secured parts of the right flank on Friday, reinforcing Thursday’s gains, incident command said. Crews kept mopping up the left flank Friday, reducing heat and strengthening containment.

It is now 53 acres and 50% contained.

Fire engines, smokejumpers, hand crews, water tenders, and helicopters worked together to suppress the fire.

Crews for both fires focus on mop-up efforts

Both fires are at a similar stage. Firefighters will continue mop-up efforts for both on Friday, focusing on securing the right flanks, patrolling for remaining heat, and reinforcing containment lines, incident command said.