Near Basalt, the Lake Christine Fire continues to grow. Homes are being destroyed, families are forced to abandon their homes and now the Federal government has taken control of the situation.

According to the incident report filed, dry areas, winds, and single digit humidity are fueling the fire and they warn that it could spread easily, even as they fight it. Tankers have been called in, as have federal firefighter to join local firefighters in combating the blaze.

Residents in Garfield, Eagle and Pitkin Counties have been alerted to the possibility of evacuations if the fire continues to grow.

Once the fire has been put out, residents will be moved back in stages, as officials need to be sure there is no further fire danger as well as bringing utilities back online.

Thus far, the fire has burned 5,263 acres on private land as well as state and federal lands. The areas between Basalt and El Jebel as well as the hillsides over them are where the fire is centered and three homes have been destroyed so far, one owned by one of the firefighters.

Helicopters with water and planes with fire retardant continue to fight the blaze, and the fire retardant is being laid down in front of the fire as well, in hopes that it will extinguish, or at least slow down the blaze.

As the battle continues, we will keep you updated.

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