County officials in Jefferson County, Colorado, provided an update on the Quarry Fire burning west of Ken Caryl in a news conference on Saturday morning. The fire, which currently spans 480 acres, is reported to be 10% contained, with officials anticipating an increase in containment by the end of the day.

Efforts by firefighters to prevent the fire from spreading onto Deer Creek Canyon Road have been successful thus far. Despite a minor flare-up on the open space land west of the fire overnight, no structures have been lost and the flames remain approximately a quarter-mile away from the nearest homes.

Mark Techmeyer, the director of public affairs for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, expressed pride in the progress made by firefighters. He stated that containment is expected to improve as the fire lines continue to be fortified.

However, officials highlighted a concerning issue hindering firefighting operations - the presence of recreational activities in the area. Hikers, cyclists, and individuals flying drones have been impeding the efforts of the crews. Techmeyer emphasized that any sightings of drones would lead to the grounding of helicopters involved in water-dropping operations. Authorities are actively investigating and will report offending drone pilots to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for potential charges.

Jefferson County Sheriff Reggie Marinelli issued a plea to recreationists, urging them to avoid hiking or biking in the area affected by the fire and instead seek alternative locations. This request is aimed at preventing further obstacles and ensuring the safety and efficacy of firefighting operations.

While evacuation orders remain in effect, evacuees were encouraged to visit Dakota Ridge High School between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to register with the county. This registration process will enable evacuees to obtain necessary badges for a smoother re-entry process once it is deemed safe to return home.

In the midst of the uncertainty, evacuees like Leanna Jepkes and Justin Gonzales expressed gratitude for the support they have received but eagerly await the moment they can return to their homes. The distribution of re-entry passes serves as a beacon of hope, highlighting progress in containing the fire.

Techmeyer assured residents that efforts are ongoing, but cautioned that road closures will remain in effect for at least two to three days following the return of local residents. This measure is necessary to ensure the safety of both humans and large animals as they reoccupy the area.

In addition to updates on firefighting operations, officials urged anyone with information regarding the origin of the Quarry Fire to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office tip line at 303-271-5612. Residents were also encouraged to review any outdoor surveillance footage they may have to aid in the ongoing arson investigation.

Overall, county officials reiterated the importance of public cooperation and adherence to safety guidelines as they continue their tireless efforts to bring the Quarry Fire under control. With the support of the community, they remain hopeful that the situation will improve in the days to come.