Fire that shut down I-76 in northeast Colorado contained

WIGGINS, Colo. — Crews have contained a brush fire that shut down Interstate 76 near Wiggins Thursday.

Wiggins Fire Chief Dave Hinson said they were dispatched at around 12:45 p.m. Thursday to a fast-moving brush fire that was burning just south of I-76 west of Wiggins, in Weld County.

Eight other fire agencies were called in to help fight the fire, Hinson said. An airplane and a helicopter were also used in the effort.

No homes were threatened or evacuated, but I-76 was closed for hours in both directions west of Wiggins near the Weld County/Morgan County line. They managed to stop the fire from jumping the highway, and it reopened about 4:15 p.m.

The fire was estimated at 900 acres. Hinson said a lightning-caused fire from the night before was rekindled by wind. 

Thursday evening, Hinson said the fire was contained and that crews were mopping up hot spots.

Colorado saw a wildfire danger increase Thursday during a hot and dry day with gusty winds and low relative humidity.

Coupled with 30 to 40 mph gusts across parts of the Front Range — especially south and east of Denver — and a very dry air mass, any fire that starts could spread quickly Thursday.

Red Flag Warnings are in effect for many areas of Colorado from 12 p.m. until  8 p.m. Thursday.