Crews keep northwest Colorado fire from growing

Firefighters have kept a 32-square-mile blaze from spreading in northwestern Colorado as scattered showers fall in the area.

Lynn Barclay of the Northwest Colorado Fire Management Unit said Friday the Alkali Fire remained 50 percent contained with full containment expected Sunday.

Barclay says some rain fell in the area overnight Thursday.

The fire has destroyed a cabin, barn and propane tank. No injuries have been reported, but three head of cattle were killed and ranchers moved other livestock.

The fire was reported Wednesday, and the cause is still under investigation. It’s burning on mostly private property and some federal land northwest of Craig.

A second fire in northwestern Colorado had burned about one-half square mile and was 75 percent contained. It was caused by a lighting strike Tuesday.