Crews battling wildfire in Craig sparked by mining operations

CRAIG, Colo. (KRDO) -- Crews are battling a wildfire in the area of Colorado Highway 13 in Craig.

Initial reports of the fire came in on Tuesday at 4:10 p.m. The Moffat County Sheriff's Office said the wildfire, referred to as the Collom fire, was burning west of Moffat County Road 51 and south of Moffat County Road 32 in sage and oak brush.

Deputies say the entire wildfire is located on property owned by Elk Ridge Mining and Reclamation, Colowyo Mine.

Wednesday morning, the sheriff's office said the Collom fire was burning predominately on private lands and had reached roughly 400 acres. Crews closed County Road 51 to public traffic.

As of 4:30 p.m., the wildfire was 5% contained and had burned 639 acres. There are currently 100 firefighters currently assigned to the Collom fire.

A preliminary investigation by the Moffat County Sheriff's Office revealed the fire was ignited by activity associated with surface mining operations.