Crews race to beat winds at Colorado wildfire

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — Crews fighting a Colorado wildfire are trying to get control of a blaze that has destroyed about 15 homes.

Authorities plan to use air tankers and helicopters today to drop slurry and water on the fire around 15 miles west of Fort Collins. The weather is forecast to grow windier and warmer, with gusts of up to around 40 mph.

Snow and cold weather on Sunday helped calm the 7-square-mile fire in a rugged, hilly area. However, fire managers say there are still hot spots that winds could spread.

The fire is about 5 percent contained. Crews are building containment lines and checking to make sure the fire isn’t spreading beyond that perimeter.

Residents of more than 300 homes were evacuated but have been allowed back.