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Sign indicating runway was 'unavailable' catches fire, prompts closure of airport runway

The Aspen airport runway will reopen Friday after a fire caused significant damage late Tuesday.

ASPEN, Colo. — The runway at the Pitkin County Airport was closed Wednesday after it was damaged by a sign that caught fire late Tuesday.

According to the airport, the runway was damaged during routine maintenance when a lighted "X" sign indicating the runway was "unavailable" caught fire. That fire caused "significant" damage to the runway pavement at the departure end.

A section of about 20 feet by 20 feet was damaged. 

Credit: Aspen Airport
A photo of the fire damage to a runway at the airport in Pitkin County.

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The airport said Thursday that the pavement has been repaired and the runway will reopen at 7 a.m. Friday. 

Travelers are encouraged to contact their carrier directly for more information regarding their flight schedules. American, United, Delta and SkyWest operate scheduled flights to and from the airport. 

Credit: Aspen Airport
A photo of the lighted sign that caught fire and damaged a runway at the airport in Pitkin County.

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