MOUNTAIN GROWN COMMUNITY RADIO

20,000-acre Alkali Fire contained

The Alkali Fire northwest of Craig has burned more than 20,000 acres. 

Officials said the fire is now fully contained. 

The wildfire started Wednesday and the cause of it is still under investigation.

Lynn Barclay with Bureau of Land Management said the fire is burning sagebrush and grass. 

"This year because we did have a wet spring the grass that we have out there is thicker [and] tall and the sagebrush out in that area can get very, very tall, over five feet," Barclay said. "When you get some wind on that continuous fuel bed the fire just runs."

Oil and gas production sites are in the fire area and it is also habitat for greater sage-grouse.

Barclay said two structures—a homestead cabin and a barn —were damaged by the fire. She estimated it should be contained by Sunday. 

Editor's Note: This story has been updated with current information. 

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