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Brush Fire Burning In Highlands Ranch Seen For Miles

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. (CBS4)- Large plumes of smoke from a brush fire burning in Highlands Ranch on Friday night could be seen for miles. Pre-evacuation notices were lifted at 8:30 p.m. for thousands of homes.

The smoke billowed from the so-called "Range 5 Fire" burning near the Highlands Ranch Law Enforcement Training Facility.

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Copter4 flew over the fire burning in Highlands Ranch (credit: CBS)

The fire had burned an estimated 20-30 acres just before 8 p.m. Friday. There was zero containment. Pre-evacuation notices were ordered for 3,300 homes but that lasted only one hour.

The notice was lifted at 8:30 p.m. Steep terrain, limited water, and changing weather prompted initial pre-evacuation notices.

south metro fire 3 (from brian shumsky)
A brush fire burning in Highlands Ranch (credit: Brian Shumsky)

Fire crews from South Metro Fire Rescue responded to the fire which was burning near dozens of homes.

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Copter4 flew over the fire burning in Highlands Ranch (credit: CBS)

Air support was halted at 7:45 p.m. Friday. Crews continued to battle the blaze on the ground.

It is unclear what started the fire.

range five fire
(credit: CBS)

Crews were going to keep battling the fire overnight.

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