Firefighters shelter in place while fighting blaze started by lightning

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) — Firefighters had to scramble Tuesday night when lightning became too dangerous while they were fighting a fire in Jefferson County.

The fire was started by a lightning strike very near where the Quarry Fire had already been burning.

Nerves were rattled.

Lightning struck a grassy area on hogback above the Ken Caryl Valley near the intersection of South Valley Road and West Ken Caryl Avenue.

Video showed a fire that formed a ring that West Metro Fire Rescue firefighters said grew to about one-third of an acre. Assistant Chief John Grothe was there shortly after the fire started around 8:15 p.m.

Grothe said one of his main goals was to keep crews safe and not let the fire become a problem. Lightning continued as nearly 30 firefighters began to douse the flames.

"So, we called for the crews to shelter in place due to the weather," Grothe said.

The crews headed for the trucks to stay safe, not knowing where lightning would strike next.

There were st...