New Wildfire Causes Smoke on Laramie Horizon (UPDATE)

Details are starting to be released on, what's now being called, The Roach Fire.  The fire was sending plumes of smoke into the sky, visible in Laramie on Monday.

According to an official release from Larry Sandoval, spokesperson for the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, the Roach Fire is estimated at 60-75 acres in northern Colorado, within about three miles of the Colorado/Wyoming state line.

It is said that fire is in the Old Roach area in the northwest portion of Larimer County, approximately two miles northwest of Hohnholtz Lake.

The fire is burning in the Roosevelt National Forest and no structures are currently threatened. Five fire engines are on scene, along with a bulldozer, a water tender and one 20-person crew. Three Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT), a type 3 helicopter, a heavy air tanker, air attack, three 20-person crews and additional resources are on order and expected to arrive throughout the day. There is good access for fire engines in the area.

The release goes on to say that the cause of the fire is under investigation and it is burning in lodgepole pine in a mountain pine beetle hit area. Firefighters worked late into the night and were able to get line around some spot fires that occurred.