MANITOU SPRINGS, COLO. — Ground crews and aircraft battled a fast-growing wildfire on rugged terrain near Pikes Peak on Friday.
The blaze had scorched about 80 acres by Friday evening but a precise estimate was elusive because the flames were burning in steep canyons, Pike National Forest spokesman Ralph Bellah said.
The fire continued to smoke after sundown but no flames were visible. Bellah said crews hoped to have the fire fully contained by noon Saturday. No homes were threatened by the fire.
The Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway, which runs to the summit of 14,110-foot Pikes Peak, was shut down as a precaution, although the fire was at least a mile from the tracks, Bellah said. The railroad planned to resume service Saturday.
A hiker reported the blaze to Manitou Springs police Friday morning. The cause was under investigation.
About 70 firefighters from Manitou Springs, Colorado Springs, El Paso County and the Forest Service were on scene. A single-engine air tanker dropped fire-retardant slurry and a helicopter also dropped water on the fire.
