x
Breaking News
More () »

Crews battling fires in Dinosaur National Monument

3 fires burning in Dinosaur National Monument
Fires burning in Dinosaur National Monument

KUSA - Firefighters are battling three fires that broke out within Dinosaur National Monument Friday.

The largest fire is being called the "Hog Fire." Officials said the fire is located on the Yampa Plateau and is estimated to be more than 40 acres in size and growing. Officials said three engines are on scene, five smoke jumpers and air tankers have been sent, and two hand crews are on their way.

A second fire being called the "Island Park Fire," is located in the Rainbow Park area of the monument. The fire is estimated to be 15 acres. Two Bureau of Land Management engines, two smoke jumpers, and a hand crew have been sent to the site, according to officials. Officials said an air tanker has been dropping water on the fire Friday.

Officials said an engine crew has been dispatched to another fire that consists of one tree.

The fires are in remote parts of the monument and are not a threat to visitors or structures, according to officials.

The National Park Service said monument visitors and residents of nearby communities may see smoke in the Split Mountain area. They said smoke may also settle in the river canyons.

Officials are asking visitors to stay away from the Split Mountain and Rainbow Park areas of the monument. They said the fires are not near the Dinosaur Quarry and that services and facilities at Dinosaur National Monument have not been affected.

(KUSA-TV © 2014 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)

Before You Leave, Check This Out