The Little Devil fire has grown to 48 acres but is about 50 percent contained, and containment lines are almost complete, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

The USFS released the following information late Friday afternoon:

Fire resources are close to completing all the containment lines and mop up operations have begun. Mop up kits, which include hose and portable water bladders, have been ordered and will be flown into the fire by the Type 3 helicopter. Firefighters will search out and extinguish burning and smoldering fuels along the fireline and within the perimeter.

They will use hand tools and water to dig and stir hot materials that threaten the containment lines. "Cold trailing" tactics will also be utilized, firefighters will feel with their hands along the fireline for heat and making sure the area is cold. The Little Devil fire received light precipitation during today's operations.

"During the course of the fire, the single-engine air tankers were highly effective in the steep terrain and played a key role supporting firefighter's success on the ground," the press release read.

Since Aug. 18, the Little Devil Ffre has received 24 retardant drops totaling 16,880 gallons.

A Type 6 engine from the Black Hills National Forest arrived today to assist the Pagosa Ranger District with new fire starts.

Road closures remain in effect on Forest Service roads 626, Devil Mountain Road, and 627, which access the Devil Creek State Wildlife Area, are closed for public safety.

The fire and smoke will be visible from Highway 160 and Highway 151.

There are no immediate structures, private property or critical infrastructure threatened by the Little Devil fire, which was started by lightning on Tuesday, Aug. 17.

Moisture is predicted to increase on Saturday along with lighter winds. Monsoonal moisture is forecasted to increase early next week but there is still the possibility of isolated showers and thunderstorms.