Huerfano and BLM firefighters contain south Greenhorn fire

by Eric Mullens
HUERFANO — A lightning caused fire burning on BLM land approximately 16 miles north-west of Walsenburg has been contained according to a BLM Fire Information Officer Ed Skerjanec.
A three-person crew from the Royal Gorge Field Office in Cañon City returned to the incident Tuesday morning and completed the remainder of a containment line that was abandoned last evening when thunderstorms moved into the area.
The South Greenhorn fire which burned primarily in piñon and juniper fuels was contained at one-quarter acre. It burned in remote terrain, only accessible by foot and did not threaten any structures or private lands.
It was reported as a smoke plume at about 11:30 am Monday. Huerfano County Fire Protection District, Upper Huerfano Fire Protection District and a Huerfano County Sheriff’s deputy all responded to the report and worked to triangulate its position.
Firefighters were scheduled to remain on scene throughout Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2013 to monitor and mop-up any hot spots that may continue to smolder during the warmest part of the afternoon.
Fire crews from Huerfano County and BLM in Cañon City responded to the incident and were able to secure eighty percent of the fire perimeter Monday evening.