Brush Creek success

Fire is fully contained

The Brush Creek Fire became 100 percent contained Sunday - meaning fire lines should keep the blaze from growing.

The fire's size stayed steady at 29,921 acres - almost 47 square miles - from Saturday through Sunday while containment increased from 90 percent to completed, said fire information officer Ludie Ehlers on Sunday evening.

Meanwhile, the number of firefighter dropped slightly from 415 to 395.

Mop-up work and rehabilitating the fire-line areas are expected to occupy firefighters for most of this week, Ehlers said.

A community meeting is scheduled at 7 p.m. today at the Brush Creek Fire command center site on Farm-To-Market Road.

Total firefighting costs were estimated at almost $13.8 million by Sunday evening.

In other area developments:

. The Chippy Creek Fire remained about 99,090 acres - almost 155 square miles - Sunday, while being 75 percent contained.

Firefighters still hope to achieve 100 percent containment today, said fire information officer Dixie Dies.

The fire's hottest segment is its northwest corner, which will received plenty of attention today, she said.

Meanwhile, fire lines will be shored up elsewhere in anticipation of windier days later this week.

Total firefighting costs through Sunday evening were estimated at $13.5 million

. The Skyland Fire stayed steady at a size of 45,760 acres - 71.5 square miles - and containment increased slightly to 70 percent.

During the past few days, lulls in the winds have helped firefighters get more control over the flames, said information officer Pat McKelvey.

Saturday was too windy for bucket-carrying helicopters. Helicopters did get to work Sunday morning until afternoon winds grounded them again. Rehabilitation work is also under way.

Total firefighting costs through Sunday evening were at $17.13 million.