Containment efforts continue as Beulah Fire grows to over 5,000 acres

SUMMIT COUNTY — Fire crews continue to battle the Beulah Fire, which has grown to 5,282 acres since it began on August 7. The cause remains under investigation. As of Thursday, the fire is listed as 45% complete, with 618 personnel assigned, including 12 crews, 19 engines, six helicopters, and two dozers. Aerial support remained active, with helicopters dropping 29,700 gallons of water on Wednesday alone.

Officials note that “containment” and “completion” measure different aspects of wildfire response. Containment refers to the percentage of the fire’s perimeter where firefighters have established a barrier either through natural features or constructed firelines. Completion, on the other hand, indicates the overall progress toward full control and demobilization of resources, including mop-up and rehabilitation work after flames are suppressed.

Warmer, drier conditions on Wednesday increased fire activity on the west side of the blaze, where flames moved from drainage bottoms upslope toward the ridgeline above Lorena Lake. 

Hotshot crews conducted burnout operations late into the evening, using controlled fire to remove brush, trees, and other fuels between the active edge and fire containment lines. This tactic helps reduce the risk of the fire crossing the established perimeter. 

Crews are continuing work in the Elizabeth Pass area and expect to finish operations there over the weekend. Structure protection also remains in place north of the fire, where firefighters are working to strengthen defenses around at-risk areas.

Weather could play a role in the coming days, with scattered dry thunderstorms and increased humidity forecast for Thursday afternoon. The potential for showers is expected to continue into the weekend. Fire managers say tactics will be adjusted as conditions evolve, with firefighter and public safety remaining the top priority.