Interstate 76 was closed Thursday afternoon because of a 900-acre brush fire west of Wiggins.
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.
More Stories
Emails show Colorado’s first gentleman is pursuing more wolf-related laws
‘Absolute tank’ of a bear found under deck in Colorado mountain town
Passenger on a previous Titan sub dive says his mission was aborted due to apparent malfunction