INDIAN HILLS, Colo. — Five homes were evacuated and a portion of Highway 285 was closed due to a wildfire in the Indian Hills area of Jefferson County on Sunday.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said around 1 p.m. is when the Twin Forks Fire started. It burned about six acres in grass, shrubs and trees along the highway before it was contained. No injuries were reported, and no structures were damaged.
"We have a water hose around that entire six acres, we have it completely contained," said Mark Techmeyer with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.
The sheriff's office said the residents of the five houses that were evacuated were allowed to return home Sunday evening.
A portion of Highway 285 in the area of North Turkey Creek Road was closed for firefighting operations. All lanes of the highway have since reopened.
One helicopter worked the fire, along with 40 firefighters and 12 engines. Most of the firefighters battling the fire are volunteers working in dangerous terrain, Techmeyer said.
“It’s treacherous. I mean, we’re in the mountains so you can see how steep it is behind us. You have rocks and fallen debris, you have wildlife, you have snakes, you have it all," Techmeyer said. "That’s why I really, really want to give credit to these volunteer firefighters that put themselves at risk to come out here for zero pay and put this thing to bed as quickly as they did.”
The sheriff's office said crews will be monitoring the area for hot spots over the next few days.
Elk Creek Fire, North Fork Fire, Indian Hills Fire, Inter-Canyon Fire, Evergreen Fire and Dougco Helitack all responded to the scene.
There's no word yet on what caused the fire.
But with another heatwave ahead, Techmeyer said the risk for another blaze like it is possible.
"Look folks, we're in the mountains in Colorado. It is dry and it is hot. And we have not seen a lot of moisture this spring and summer. So, the risk for this type of incident happening is really high," Techmeyer said. "That's why we ask everyone to really be cautious about what they're doing."