Grass Fire Near Kersey Grows To Nearly 11,700 Acres, 100 Percent Contained

KERSEY, Colo. (CBS4) - Smoke billowed from a wildfire that burned approximately 11,699 acres approximately five miles from Interstate 76 between Roggen and Keenesburg in Weld County Friday afternoon.

The fire burned near the area of Highway 34 at Weld County Road 69 south to I-76. Both directions of I-76 were closed just after 2:30 p.m. because of the fire. The highway reopened at approximately 3:30 p.m. once crews were able to contain the fire moving toward the highway.

Copter4 flew over the fire where the massive plume of smoke could be seen from miles away.

Multiple agencies helped battle the blaze. Two single-engine aircraft tankers (SEATs) dropped water on the fast-moving fire.

The plume of smoke was so large it could be seen from Doppler 4000 as shown by CBS4 Meteorologist Chris Spears.

The Platte Valley Fire District said there was one structure threatened but cooler temperatures overnight helped them get that fire under control.

The fire was 100 percent contained about 8:30 a.m. on Saturday.

There was reduced visibility in the area on Friday afternoon.

What caused the fire is being investigated.

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In:
• Interstate 76
• I-76
• Highway 34
• Weld County