Grass Fire Contained Near Sterling After Countywide Mutual Aid
A grass fire at the Logan County Shooting Sports Complex near Sterling was reported around 2 p.m. on January 2 and was declared contained by 3:15 p.m., after a large mutual aid response from Logan County and neighboring counties. The quick response kept the blaze from reaching structures and prevented injuries, but officials warned dry conditions and shifting gusty winds remain a local hazard.
Fire crews contained a grass fire Friday afternoon at the Logan County Shooting Sports Complex near Sterling after firefighters from across Logan County, Phillips County, Weld County and other local resources responded to the scene. The blaze was reported at about 2 p.m., and command declared it contained at 3:15 p.m., with crews transitioning to mop-up operations to secure the perimeter and extinguish remaining hot spots.
Initial suppression efforts were challenged by dry conditions and gusty winds. Wind shifts out of the north-northwest pushed the head of the fire southward, briefly pushing flames toward a nearby prison and producing flare-ups along the fire line. Firefighters concentrated on protecting exposures and limiting spread while battling frequent reignition as conditions changed.
There were no reported injuries and no immediate reports of structure damage. Fire command reported progress on containment shortly after 3 p.m., and crews remained on scene into the evening as needed to ensure the fire did not rekindle. The cause of the fire had not been released as of the containment announcement.
The incident underscores the importance of interagency coordination in rural wildfire response. A broad mutual aid mobilization across county lines shortened response times and allowed crews to prioritize protection of nearby facilities and infrastructure. For Logan County residents, the episode is a reminder that even wintertime grass fires can grow quickly when fuels are dry and winds are strong.
Local officials did not release information on damages or an estimated acreage burned at the time containment was reported. Residents should expect continued mop-up activity in the area around the shooting complex while crews work to extinguish hot spots and secure the scene.
Authorities will remain on site as necessary and will update the community if additional information about the fire’s cause or impacts becomes available. In the meantime, the rapid containment prevented injuries and significant structure losses, though dry, windy conditions remain a driver of wildfire risk in the region.
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