Lone Tree Brush Fire Contained at 20 Acres, No Structures Threatened

South Metro Fire Rescue knocked down a fast-moving 20-acre brush fire near South Peoria Street and RidgeGate Parkway in Lone Tree Saturday afternoon, stopping its forward progress before any structures were threatened.

The call came in around 3:20 p.m. and crews were on scene within six minutes. Firefighters worked to contain the blaze while navigating an additional hazard: Public Information Officer Jenn Abraham said power lines in the area were a concern while crews knocked down the flames. South Metro Fire declared the fire under control after stopping its forward progress, with crews shifting to mop-up operations and checking for hot spots. The fire burned an estimated 20 acres.

Westbound RidgeGate Parkway was closed to traffic near Meridian Village Parkway during the response. One westbound lane reopened around 4:45 p.m.

The fire's cause remains under investigation.

It broke out during a week of record-high temperatures with red flag warnings in effect statewide, conditions officials say can ignite a fire from a single spark. South Metro Fire said that on red flag warning days, brush trucks follow fire engines to every call in case a fire response is needed.

Frann Beg, who lives about a half mile from the burn area, said the timing rattled him. "Especially since it's March, and we just broke records. And then if this is going to start now, imagine when May and June come when it is fire season. So, it's going to be a big concern for all of us neighbors," Beg said.

Fire season in Colorado typically peaks in May and June, meaning Saturday's blaze arrived months ahead of the period Lone Tree residents historically brace for.