Smoke Warning Continues Friday Afternoon For Hewlett Fire

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4)- The Hewlett Fire has poured smoke into the skies for the past several days, prompting the Colorado Health Department to issue an advisory.

Health officials are warning those with lung or health problems to limit their time outdoors. The smoke warning will remain in effect until at least 4 p.m. Friday. It may be extended depending on conditions.

The smoke is being kept over Fort Collins by an inversion called the "dome effect" which doesn't allow the smoke to dissipate or blow away. As the fire grows, conditions get worse.

Until the warning is lifted, people are advised to stay indoors and only go outside for short periods of time.

The fire on Friday morning was listed at 7,673 acres, which is more than 11 square miles. Some of the hottest spots are burning in the southeast corner and along the northwest edge of the fire.

It was 11 percent contained Friday afternoon and 15 homes remain evacuated, although it's expected those residents will be allowed to return home before the end of the day.

More than 500 firefighters are battling the fire, which started on Monday in Poudre Canyon in Larimer County near Highway 14.