Crews were able to stop a series of lightning-sparked fires that started in southeastern Weld County near Kersey Wednesday night from spreading, according to the Platte Valley Lightning Protection District.
The fires covered 8,000 acres and became contained early Thursday morning. Platte Valley Fire Protection District Chief Barry Schaefer said firefighters were able to stop the blaze from jumping US 34.
Crews will remain on scene Thursday morning. No injuries have been reported.
While no structures were threatened by the fire, there was potential for oil and gas sites and cattle in the area to become threatened.
About 35 different apparatuses from many local agencies have been called out to the quick-growing fires, with around 80 people on scene and responding.
The agencies involved include: Platte Valley Fire, Briggsdale Fire Protection District, Nunn Volunteer Fire Department, Ault-Pierce Fire Department, Windsor Severance Fire Rescue, Loveland Fire Rescue Authority, Greeley Fire Department, Front Range Fire Rescue, LaSalle Fire Department, Platteville-Gilcrest Fire Protection District, Hudson Fire Protection District, Southeast Weld Fire Protection District, Fort Morgan City Fire Department, and the Wiggins Rural Fire Protection District.