Beaver Creek Fire Over 26,000 Acres in Size, Now 12 Percent Contained

Adverse weather continues to hamper firefighting efforts and grow the Beaver Creek Fire, which is now 26,067 acres in size.

Fire managers reported Tuesday morning that firefighters began direct fireline construction Monday on the southeast portion of the fire but were forced to disengage after windy conditions and mechanical issues with a Type 1 helicopter made those operations unsafe.

Crews pulled back to a contingency line and conducted a burnout operation to eliminate fuel between the control line and the wildfire, slowing the fire's advance. Firefighters were set to continue that work Tuesday -- a particularly important task, given that fire modeling shows potential for the fire to advance toward buildings in the area.

Fire managers say the blaze is now 12 percent contained.

Hot, dry and unstable weather has been a significant factor over the past few days, with relative humidity dropping to 10-12 percent in the fire area -- the lowest levels in some time. Temperatures are expected to remain in the 80s throughout Tuesday.

The fire remained active Monday, a result of afternoon thunderstorms and gusty winds. That weather makes for longer daily peak burning periods with interior heat, smoke and both single tree and group tree torching.

Meteorologist Tim Mathewson reportedly told crews that northwest winds will continue to impact the fire.