Wildfire Breaks Out Near Aspen Park

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - Smoke is once again pouring into the skies over the Evergreen area and an aerial attack on the fire was launched Thursday afternoon.

The 40-acre fire started in grass and is about 20 percent contained. It's burning near Highway 285 at Meyer Ranch Open Space Park, which is east of Conifer.

Officials believe a truck dragging a chain or a catalytic converter started the fire. A hot catalytic converter was found at the Richmond Hill fire scene. A fire at one other location has been put out.

A Type 2 helicopter with a 275 gallon bucket is working the fire. There are over 50 firefighters on scene.

Officials have recommended evacuations for the Hillview neighborhood, but they aren't mandatory. Eighty homes were called on the Reverse 911.

"They should certainly be preparing for the possible evacuation. If they do leave, they wouldn't be able to return to the residence until the area is cleared," Jody Wagner with Elk Creek Fire said.

Wagner said residents with livestock should get the animals in trailers and out of the area.