Visible Smoke Rises From Beaver Creek Fire

WALDEN, Colo. (CBS4)- Fire crews say windy and dry conditions helped fuel the Beaver Creek Fire on Thursday as the wildfire comes under new management.

The fire has burned more than 13,200 acres since it started June 19. What sparked the fire remains under investigation.

Fire activity increased in the fire as drier and windier conditions increased in the area. The fire is burning near the Wyoming-Colorado state line.

The U.S. Forest Service says more visible smoke columns will be coming from the fire area. The fire continues to burn and has the potential to spread in all directions, including into sage and grassy fuels. The fire continues to be fueled by beetle kill trees.

PHOTO GALLERY: Beaver Creek Fire

Fire crews continue to work to protect the five dozen threatened structures in the area. Firefighters closed off two more areas, Independence Mountain and Boettcher Ridge, on Sunday.

There are 236 firefighters battling the blaze along with 12 engines, one dozer and two helicopters.

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