The Pearl fire remains active despite another day of battling by local departments.
The wildfire -- currently raging in Larimer County -- remained at 128 acres with 5% containment Wednesday evening, the same size and containment percentage as Wednesday morning, despite 320 personnel working to battle the flames throughout the day, according to a press release from the Larimer County Sheriff's Office.
Local crews commanded by the U.S. Forest Service focused on the north, east and west sides of the perimeter Wednesday, the sheriff's office said. Crews attempted to construct hand and dozer lines, but the the terrain was steep and there were "many" downed and dead trees.
Air assets were also available but were grounded for most of the day due to high winds and heavy gusts in the area.
"Mother Nature has presented us with obstacles during this fire, from persistent high winds to difficult terrain," Larimer County Sheriff John Feyen said in the release. "Our wildland firefighters have been working incredibly hard to make progress. It's physically demanding work, and they continue to rise to every challenge."
Only one structure has been damaged so far. The structure was at the fire's point of origin on private property. The location has led investigators to believe that the fire was started by a human.
Mandatory evacuations are still in effect for Crystal Lake, south of Black Mountain and north of Lake Erie, and voluntary evacuations were ordered for north of Black Mountain.
An overnight shelter was set up at Livermore Community Church. Small pets are allowed. The large animal evacuation center at The Ranch in Loveland was closed Wednesday due to lack of need.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE GAZETTE