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 likely rekindled by wind.
"We're not sure with wind picking up this afternoon if an ember flew out from that fire and started this fire, but that's what we're leaning toward right now," Hinson said.
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.