Fire crews fought to contain a 3.2 acre fire at the Colorado National Monument this afternoon.
The fire, on the east side of the monument between Cold Shivers Point and Ute Canyon, was reported around 2 p.m..
Fire plans for the area suggest it be allowed to burn for ecological reasons, but officials decided to suppress the fire instead.
Hot dry weather and limited resources coupled with the fact the fire was burning in heavy timber made the situation a safety concern, said Sally Spaulding, a White River National Forest spokeswoman.
By 6 p.m. the fire was completely surrounded by retardant and crews were still working, Spaulding said.
The first person to report the fire noticed the smoke from a good distance away, Spaulding said.
An airtanker arrived on the scene around 2:45, followed by crews that hiked into the area nearly an hour later. Nearby trails were swept for hikers, but no one had to be evacuated, Spaulding said.
The Liberty Cap Trail near the blaze was closed as a precautionary measure.
