COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- A fire burning in the hills behind Cheyenne Mountain High School in Colorado Springs is contained.
It started Monday afternoon north of the South Suburban Reservoir, near a hiking trail in the Stratton Open Space area.
The Colorado Springs Fire Department said only 2.7 acres burned, but said due to the area's dry conditions and where the fire was located, the situation could have been much worse.
More than 70 firefighters from the city, county, utilities, and the state responded to the fire.
Authorities said due to the steep terrain, getting a handle on the flames was difficult because crews were not able to bring in hose lines, and instead had to use hand tools.
They said considering how dry it has been, it is no surprise a fire started in the area.
"We have had a very dry winter, so a lot of this stuff is that quick 10 hour or 24 hour burn, and that will keep going, and nothing has greened up around here yet so we are still working on some pretty dry conditions," Sunny Smaldino with the Colorado Springs Fire Department said.
Smaldino said no homes were threatened and no residents were evacuated.
She said the cause is under investigation.
Residents in the area said they could see the smoke from miles away.
"Driving down the highway I saw the smoke and my fiancé said we should probably go check it out just to make sure nothing was out of control," resident Stanton Kensinger said.
Another resident could see it from the north end of the city.
"From UCCS I could see orange smoke and white smoke in the distance, and I thought it was Fort Carson at first," resident Casey Jacobs said.
Fire officials said crews will work through the night to put out any remaining hot spots.
They said Monday's fire is a good reminder that fire danger is high, and everyone needs to be extra careful when enjoying the outdoors.
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Original Story:
A fire is currently burning north of the south suburban reservoir in Stratton Open Space in Colorado Springs.
Crews believe the fire is close to five acres and spreading.
There are about 70 firefighters from the state of Colorado, El Paso County, and Colorado Springs Fire Department attempting to put the fire out with hand tools. They say the steep terrain is stopping them from using water hoses to get the fire out.
Authorities say the fire isn't threatening any structures yet and no injuries have been reported.
Stay with FOX21 News for the latest updates here and on our 6:30 p.m. newscast.
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