After several days of preparation, firefighters Tuesday night successfully conducted burn-out operations on the 842 Fire in the HD Mountains near Chimney Rock National Monument.
Crews burned 282 acres, which brought the total burn area to 1,025 acres.
Crews will continue to monitor the burn area and ensure all containment lines are secure. The fire is not expected to expand any further.
Smoke is expected to be visible from Colorado Highway 151 and U.S. Highway 160 near the HD Mountains and Chimney Rock as logs and stumps smolder as the fire burns out.
The fire was started by a lightning strike on Aug. 1, then fire crews expanded and monitored the area of the burn to reduce fuel loads in the area.
Visitors are encouraged to take extra precaution near the burn area. New hazards will now be present in and around the fire area including rolling, falling, and unstable debris such as rocks, trees, and snags. When a fire burns through a forested area, even seemingly healthy trees can be dangerous, since the fire may have compromised the root system.
These trees can often fall without warning. While there are no closures in place, avoiding the area altogether is recommended to ensure public safety.
For updates or more information, contact the Columbine District Office at 884-2512 or visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5481.
