HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. – A Douglas County brush fire burning near Highlands Ranch was reported to be fully contained Saturday afternoon.
Firefighters are watching the area for any flare-ups after the 46-acre blaze came too close for comfort for thousands of Highlands Ranch residents placed on pre-evacuation notice Friday evening. The order was lifted about an hour later after crews began to get a handle on the fire.
The Range 5 Fire is burning near Daniels Park south of Highlands Ranch in Douglas County. Smoke and flames were first reported around 5 p.m. Friday.
FFs will be looking for hot spots+ burning logs.Cooling them with water and digging dirt line, in order to prevent fire spread #Range5Fire pic.twitter.com/boK2Aybo65
— SouthMetroFireRescue (@SouthMetroPIO) September 16, 2017
While no structures have been lost, South Metro Fire said more than 150 crews were proactively protecting nearby homes. No injuries were reported.
Areal footage from AIRTRACKER 7, captured moments after smoke reports began pouring in, showed crews working to contain the fire as large flames engulfed brush and trees. A helicopter was being used to dump water on the flames.
It's not yet known what sparked the blaze. However, a ranking law enforcement source told Denver7 Investigator Tony Kovaleski the fire might have started at a shooting range on the Highlands Ranch Law Enforcement Training Facility.
Heavy rain moved into the area late Friday evening, providing a break for firefighters. Crews continued to work the fire into the overnight hours and will watch for flare-ups through the weekend.
