Suppression efforts continue on ‘May Fire’ west of Highway 115

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Fire crews are continuing suppression efforts for the 'May Fire' that broke out on the afternoon of Monday, July 25, just a few miles from Cheyenne Mountain State Park.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, the 'May Fire' is burning six miles west of Fort Carson and Highway 115, and south of Cheyenne Mountain.

The fire was first reported at only one-tenth of an acre but the latest report says it grew to a quarter of an acre.

Multiple resources responded, including resources from the U.S. Forest Service, the Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC), the Highway 115 Fire Protection District, and the Ft. Carson Fire Department.

According to the Forest Service, there are structures south of the fire but the potential hazard to them is low as the fire is "smoldering and creeping."

At around 6 p.m. a DFPC helicopter assisted firefighters with bucket drops of water to cool the fire while firefighters hiked to the remote location of the fire.

Tuesday, July 25

Update 10 a.m.: We are learning that the fire was caused by a lightning strike and is being fueled by Douglas Fir and Mix Conifer.

There was no growth to the fire overnight and no evacuations or closures have been put in place.

Update 12:30 p.m.: Crews have completed a saw line around the perimeter of the fire as firefighters continue securing the fires' edges and proceed with mop-up efforts.

Officials state that some interior heat is present but little to no smoke is visible.

The fire is still burning at .25 acres and 0% containment according to the Pike & San Isabel National Forests Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands Fire Information.