DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. — A large grass fire near Chatfield State Park forced evacuations in two subdivisions Friday afternoon, but was 100 percent contained by the evening, South Metro Fire Rescue said.
On Saturday, the department said an equipment malfunction sparked the fire. No further details were released.
The fire burned on the east side of Santa Fe Drive/Highway 85 south of Titan Road and moved northeast. The Colorado Department of Transportation warned drivers to expect intermittent closures on Santa Fe from Titan Road to Highlands Ranch Parkway.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office issued an evacuation notice for about 860 residents living within a half-mile of the Sundial House. All evacuations were later lifted.
“Structures threatened in Chatfield Estates and Back Country subdivisions,” South Metro Fire Rescue said about 2 p.m. “Multiple fire crews and air resources requested.”
The flames were close to at least one house.
A helicopter and a heavy air tanker were called in to help fight the fire.
A heavy air tanker dropped retardant and a helicopter made water drops, according to South Metro Fire.
At 2:30 p.m, South Metro said it estimated about 175 acres had burned.
At 3:20 p.m., officials said it had burned about 205 acres and there was 0 percent containment. At 3:40 p.m., officials said the fire was 30 percent contained.
The fire was 100 percent contained at 4:50 p.m., officials said, and the evacuation orders were lifted.
West Metro Fire Rescue had several units assisting South Metro Fire with the blaze.
The Denver Fire Department also sent crews to fight the grass fire.