I-76 reopened after closing for brush fire in northeast Colorado

WIGGINS, Colo. — A brush fire was burning Thursday afternoon west of Wiggins.

Interstate 76 was closed for awhile in both directions west of Wiggins near the Weld County/Morgan County line. The interstate reopened about 4:15 p.m.

The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control said as of 3 p.m. the fire was about 1,000 acres and air resources had been requested.

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.

Avoid anything with a spark outside and have a to-go kit ready just in case a fire starts near your home. 

On top of the high fire danger, Colorado will also have wildfire smoke in the air Thursday afternoon due to fires in California. That’ll create a hazy look to our skies Thursday afternoon and evening.

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