Red Creek Fire 20 percent contained

DURANGO, Colo. (KRQE) - The Red Creek Fire burning about 10 miles northeast of Durango remained stable Friday at an estimated 45 acres, the U.S. Forest Service reported.

Containment is now estimated at 20 percent.

The firefighting crew is expected to grow Friday night with the addition of the Ruby Mountain Hotshots, who will be arriving from Nevada. In addition, three firefighters from Durango Fire and Rescue Authority will join the effort Saturday, bringing the total number of personnel to 75.

The fire is located about two miles north of Florida Road and five miles west of Lemon Reservoir on the northwest side of the Red Creek drainage. It is not threatening any structures or private property, and no roads have been closed.

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A wildfire broke out Wednesday afternoon in the same area of southwestern Colorado where a fire raged though 70,000 acres of forest eight years ago.

The latest fire in the area of Missionary Ridge at last report had charred only 20 acres with firefighters attacking it from the ground and air. No structures are reported to be threatened.

The Red Creek Fire was reported about 2 p.m. and is about eight miles northeast of Durango. The cause is not yet know.

Reports indicate winds are pushing the flames through aspen and spruce toward the area burned eight years ago, which now may act as a firebreak.

Still, firefighters are acting aggressively because conditions are reported to by dry and windy.