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Rampart Fire caused by lightning, 70 percent contained

Posted at 8:39 AM, Jul 22, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-22 10:39:10-04

The Rampart Fire, burning several miles northeast of Woodland Park, was caused by lightning, according to the U.S. Forest Service. 

The blaze broke out Friday night. Saturday evening, officials reported the fire had burned 13 acres and was 70 percent contained.  Approximately 0.2" of rain fell on the area Saturday afternoon.

About 120 firefighters have been working to contain the fire, which is burning in rugged areas near Rampart Range Road. Firefighters credited aerial efforts from single-engine air tankers and helicopters with slowing the advance of the fire. 

A Type III Incident Command team took over command of the fire Saturday, but command was transferred back to a local Type 4 team Sunday. Hand crews, Type 3 and 6 Engines, and aircraft will continue to work the area.

Burnout operations were completed Saturday to strengthen the perimeter on the north side of the fire.

Despite progress on the fire lines, evacuation and pre-evacuation orders remain in place in the area. News 5’s Sam Kraemer  learned some cabins are under evacuation orders along Forest Roads 941, 943, 944, 945 and 946.

El Paso County deputies said all people living within a 1.75 mile radius of Forest Service Road 312 and Rampart Range Road should be ready to evacuate, as should campers on Rampart Range Road in the area. Forest Service Roads 300 to 320 are also closed until further notice, according to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.

There is no timetable on when those who were evacuated can return.

Smoke from the fire was first spotted just before 5 p.m. Friday evening.