North Hogback Fire Only 30 Percent Contained, Official Cause Still Not Known
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - Firefighters on Thursday were at the scene of the North Hogback Fire to mop up hot spots, and part of that involved water drops from a helicopter.
Investigators were also there trying to find out what started Wednesday's grass fire, which prompted warnings to homeowners to prepare to evacuate.
Copter4 checked the burn scar Thursday morning and smoke could still be seen coming from the area.
During the worst of the fire, authorities warned thousands of residents in the Ken Caryl Valley area they should be ready to leave.
Crews quickly used air drops and built lines to contain the fire and mandatory evacuations were never ordered.
The weather cooperated with firefighters all day Thursday with cooler temperatures and higher humidity. But by 5 p.m. the fire was still only at 30 percent containmed.
The helicopter on Thursday helped battle what crews called a stubborn hot spot on the south side of the fire.
Fire officials say there are two main reasons they haven't reached full containment. The first is the fire is burning on very difficult terrain on a hillside with rock outcroppings that are preventing firefighters from getting to shrubs that are still burning. The second reason is the area is isolated and water has to be hauled in.
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