'560 Fire' burning on Hayman Fire burn scar now 80 percent contained

Firefighters are getting closer to full containment on an 83-acre fire burning on the Hayman Fire burn scar in Jefferson County.

The fire was reported early Saturday afternoon 3 miles northwest of the Cheesman Reservoir. Named the 560 Fire after nearby Forest Service Road 560, the fire is burning in an area thick with dead and fallen trees.

"These trees not only create a tripping hazard for firefighters but they also put firefighters at risk from falling trees. The fire is burning in very steep and rugged terrain," the U.S. Forest Service said Sunday.

Despite the hazards, firefighters made significant progress Sunday into Monday, bringing containment up to 80 percent. They have also been able to keep the fire from growing; USFS says the new reported size -- 83 acres, up from a reported 68 on Sunday -- was due to better mapping.

"Firefighters were able to map the entire fire today and that mapping increased the acreage to 83 acres. The 560 fire has not grown but some hot spots still remain in the interior of the fire as dead trees from the old Hayman burn scar continue to burn," Forest Service said Monday.

No structures have been threatened since the fire ignited and no evacuations are in place.

The fire is believed to have started by accident, though the exact cause is unknown.

More information including maps can be found