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Second-largest fire in Colorado history reaches 100 percent containment

by Kieran Nicholson, Denver Post |

The East Troublesome Fire, the second-largest wildfire in Colorado history, is now 100 percent contained.

Fire officials Monday declared full containment of the 193,812-acre fire, which started about 15 miles northeast of Kremmling Oct. 14.

“Pockets of isolated heat still exist” within the widespread fire perimeter, but containment lines are not threatened, officials said.

The fire, driven by hard winds and burning through tinder box conditions, grew an astounding 150,000 acres Oct. 21 and 22.

More than 300 homes and between 100 and 200 secondary structures, such as barns and garages, were destroyed by the wildfire. Lyle and Marylin Hileman, 86 and 84, respectively, died in the fire when their home, just outside Grand Lake, was destroyed.

An Oct. 24 winter storm dropped snow and lower temperatures on the fire, calming the massive blaze and aiding firefighters battling the fire. Activity curtailed after the snowfall as autumn-like weather settled in the area.

The Cameron Peak Fire, the largest in Colorado history, has burned 208,913 acres, more than 326 square miles, in Larimer County. It is 94 percent contained.