EL PASO COUNTY, CO — Fire crews will continue to remain on the scene at the Rampart Fire burning in El Paso County, about two miles east of Woodland Park. Crews have spent the last few days creating a containment line as they work to keep the Rampart fire at 20 acres.
On Thursday the United States Forest Service reported that the fire was 100% contained. Crews will remain on the scene to continue to patrol the fire as heavy fuels may still be burning on the interior of the fire line.
The Forest Service provided positive updates on Wednesday afternoon, stating that crews have been able to contain 50% of the fire. Crews continue to work to mop up in the area and smoke can still be seen from heavier fuels burning well inside the fire perimeter.
According to a Forest Service release, "Crews will continue to build fire line around the perimeter to reach full containment. Expect to see smoke today since heavy fuels are still burning."
At last check, the fire burned 20 acres of Forest Service land. There's no word on a possible cause yet.
About 50 firefighters from multiple agencies along with a single-engine air tanker were on scene to keep it from spreading. An order for additional resources has been placed for today due to continued hot, windy weather conditions.
Get your latest First Alert 5 Weather forecast.
Relative humidity values will be as low as 6 percent today with wind gusts in the 30 to 40 mph range. Grass fires and Front Range fires are possible this afternoon, and we could see existing fire flare up as the wind increase. Record heat is expected across the plains for both Colorado Springs and Pueblo.
The Colorado Springs Fire Department sent 5 fire engines to the area to act as a task force.
Pre-evacuation notices were in effect just after 2:30 p.m. Tuesday and ended a little more than an hour for areas east of Highway 24. No structures were lost.
The U.S. Forest Service has taken command of the fire.
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