Hewlett Fire Grows To 980+ Acres, Injures 1 Firefighter

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4)- The Hewlett Fire burning in Poudre Canyon has grown to 982 acres on Wednesday. A Type 2 fire team has taken over command of the fire.

One firefighter was hurt while fighting the fire Tuesday night. That firefighter has been treated and released.

The fire is burning about 20 miles northwest of Fort Collins, 10 miles west of the junction of Highway 14 and Highway 287 near the Hewlett Gulch Trail in the Poudre Canyon.

Although structures are located near the fire, none are immediately threatened. Smoke is visible from Fort Collins.

Fire spokeswoman Reghan Cloudman said the fire is within a quarter mile of some homes. It is burning on federal and private land about 20 miles northwest of Fort Collins.

Those who live within a five mile section of Highway 14 remain on notice.

Watch Ty Brennan's latest report on the fire in the video below:

A notification was also sent to those living in a one mile radius of Mount Mahogany and Gordon Creek Lane. All residents in this area are asked to prepare for a possible evacuation. An evacuation has not been ordered, but you should be prepared to leave at a moment's notice.

The Bonner Peaks, Bonner Springs, and Glacier View areas are also on pre-evacuation notice.

The fire is five percent contained and the rocky terrain is making the fire very difficult to fight. Gusty winds could also hamper their efforts to get the upper hand on the wildfire.

Crews have now mapped out the burn area of the fire. Watch Jim Benemann's report in the video below:

There are 200 firefighters are fighting the fire on the ground. A heavy air tanker are dropping fire retardant along with two helicopters, the Type 1 and 3 helicopters, which will be dropping water on the fire throughout the day.

Take a look at the topography of Poudre Canyon in the video below:

Wednesday firefighters were planning to focus on structure protection, securing a fire line in areas near the community and public and firefighter safety.

Hewlett Fire Operations and the Larimer County Sheriff's Office are coordinating and planning with Glacier View and Livermore Fire Protection Districts in the event the fire should move in that direction.

Watch in interview with a Livermore firefighter on the progress of the fire in the video below:

Homeowners have been taking the warning very seriously and have been packing up just in case.

"I've got pictures and some clothes and food for the dogs and the cats," Poudre Park resident Maureen McFarland said. "Beyond that you just kind of shut down. You can't take everything from your home. You can only grab the jewelry and the stuff that I feel is important."

Jackie Parks with the US Forest Service said the winds are forecasted to remain persistent overnight.

"That means our fire will remain active," Park said.

LINK: Official Hewlett Fire Updates

The Hewlett Gulch Trail, Greyrock Trail and the area surrounding the trails are closed.

The fire began Monday at about 1 p.m. What sparked the fire was human caused but investigators haven't determined if it was intentional.

The Larimer County Health Department issued a warning for those with respiratory conditions. They advise that if you can see or smell smoke, avoid outdoor physical activities and stay inside with the windows and doors closed.

Children are more likely to be affected by health threats from smoke because their airways are still developing and because they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults. Children also are more likely to be active outdoors.

Older adults are more likely to be affected by smoke, as they have higher levels of heart or lung diseases than younger people.