A spokesperson with the U.S. Forest Service reports crews are tracking two separate fires burning in southern Colorado this weekend.

The first is being called the Barnard Gulch Fire. It’s about an acre in size burning near Wrights Reservoir in Teller County. A crew of at least 20 firefighters is actively working on the fire from the ground while a helicopter is working above the burn area. The fire is about 50% percent contained.

The U.S. Forest Service is also monitoring the Fourth Newlin Fire, burning about 15 miles south of Canon City in Custer County.

The fire is less than two acres in size and was likely started by a lightning strike.

“We are not going to actively suppress the fire but manage and monitor it daily,” said District Ranger Paul Crespin.

According to a news release, in deciding to manage the fire, Crespin looked at a variety of factors such as firefighter and public safety, fire location, resource benefits, forecasted weather for the area, its distance from private land, and sensitive natural resources.

Crespin says safety of firefighters and a lack of escape routes in the area of the fire is a concern.

The Forest Service will temporarily close Forest Road 274 for public safety. Crews will also place signs to alert forest visitors that there is a fire in the area.

Residents in the area will likely see the smoke from the fire until there is enough moisture to aid the fire surpression.