Investigators: Campfire started Lefthand Canyon wildfire | News

BOULDER COUNTY, Colo. --Investigators say a campfire left unattended on U.S. Forest Service land started the Maxwell Fire in Lefthand Canyon.

Forest Service spokeswoman Elsha Kirby says fire managers are concerned that much higher temperatures and very low humidity forecast Tuesday will make it harder to control the fire.

It's 40 percent contained and has burned 60 acres. Officials hoped for 100 percent containment Wednesday night.

The Boulder Office of Emergency Management says flare-ups are likely as temperatures head into the mid 90s along Colorado's Front Range and eastern plains.

About 145 people are fighting the fire and two helicopters and two single-engine air tankers are on hand if they're needed.

Lefthand Canyon Dr. will remain closed from Olde Stage Rd. to James Canyon Dr. Tuesday to allow firefighters to work unimpeded on the fire.

"This is the third fire in the Lefthand Canyon area this year," according to a Forest Service statement.

"The Forest Service is responding by taking a hard look at what has happened the past few months including current uses and their impacts. Agency officials are considering options for changes in area management keeping weather, available resources, and public safety in mind."

Maxwell Fire Incident Information