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Bombing a fire
An air tanker drops a load of fire retardant on the Porcupine Fire, about five miles southwest of Rifle, on Thursday, Aug. 28.
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ENLARGE
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Porcupine Fire smoky
Heavy smoke rises from the Porcupine Fire on Thursday, Aug. 28, at about 10:23 a.m., approximately five miles southwest of Rifle. The barren area in the foreground is part of the Red Apple Fire burn area from several years ago.
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ENLARGE
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Fire flares up
Skies grew smoky southwest of Rifle on Thursday, Aug. 28, when a wildfire flared up.
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ENLARGE
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Wildfire fills air with smoke
The Porcupine Fire, approximately five miles southwest of Rifle, sent billowing smoke high into the sky on Thursday, Aug. 28, at about 11:30 a.m., one hour or so after it was reported.
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ENLARGE
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Flames through the smoke
11:05 a.m.: The fire continued to rage, with flames at the base now visible.
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A 130-acre fire that started Thursday morning, Aug. 25, was fully contained by Sunday afternoon, Aug. 31, according to federal officials.
With the help of rain, fire crews were able to establish a line around the Porcupine Fire, about 5 miles southwest of Rifle. That led officials at the scene to declare the fire fully contained about 2 p.m. Sunday, according to a statement from federal fire officials.
With the help of rain, fire crews were able to establish a line around the Porcupine Fire, about 5 miles southwest of Rifle. That led officials at the scene to declare the fire fully contained about 2 p.m. Sunday, according to a statement from federal fire officials.
Several fire crews were released after the fire was contained Sunday. A Hot Shot crew will remain on the scene to complete "mop-up" operations and ensure a smooth transition with local crews, the statement said.
Local fire crews will monitor the fire several times for the next week to make sure it remains within the containment perimeter, the statement said.
There were natural gas and residential structures in the area of the fire, but they were never threatened. The cause of the fire is presumed to be a lightning strike that smoldered for several days, according to federal fire officials.
