DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLORADO — A forest fire that ignited Saturday afternoon near the Turkey Tracks Shooting Range in Douglas County has burned approximately 150 acres, according to an evening update from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. As of Sunday morning, the blaze remains uncontained.
The fire is burning near Highway 67 and Rainbow Falls, close to the Douglas-Teller County line. Local, state, and federal agencies, including the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Teller County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Forest Service, have responded to the incident. A helicopter is actively supporting suppression efforts from the air.
Authorities say the fire is being driven by hot, dry, and windy conditions—common in early spring across Colorado’s Front Range foothills. No evacuation orders have been issued, and no structures are reported to be threatened as of Sunday morning.
In an alert posted Saturday evening, the Douglas County Sheriff urged residents and visitors to avoid the area and exercise extreme caution due to the high fire danger. “Conditions are hot, dry, and windy, which can cause the fire to spread quickly,” the agency warned.
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This fire comes as much of Colorado enters its spring wildfire season, marked by dry fuels and strong winds before monsoon rains arrive in mid-summer. The area around Rainbow Falls, a popular recreation site, is a mix of grass, brush, and ponderosa pine—vegetation that can burn rapidly in windy conditions.
No official cause has been reported. Human activity is often a leading cause of wildfires in Colorado, particularly near roads, shooting ranges, and trails. Investigators are likely to focus on potential ignition sources once the fire is under control.
Crews will likely take advantage of early morning humidity and lighter winds on Sunday to build containment lines before conditions worsen later in the day. Officials are expected to provide additional updates as the situation evolves.
The Turkey Tracks Shooting Range and nearby public lands may be subject to temporary closures, depending on how the fire progresses.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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