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The Swan Lake fire grew an additional 3,000 acres Tuesday night into Wednesday, with fire activity increasing earlier than on previous days. The fire, which is roughly 6 miles northeast of Sterling, started on June 5 from a lightning strike.
The fire has been growing ever since. To date, it is only 10% contained with an estimated containment date on August 31.
According to fire officials, crews conducted a strategic fire operation Tuesday to establish a control line and draw the fire away from the Sterling Highway. This is being done to allow the fire to move into areas away from critical infrastructure. Crews are also working to protect cabins and Enstar Natural Gas along the northeaster perimeter.