Colorado Wildfire Contained

CONIFER, Colo. (AP) -- A small wildfire erupted in the forests southwest of Denver on Monday, forcing authorities to go door-to-door to warn residents they may have to evacuate.

The fire was contained by nightfall after burning about five acres, Jefferson County sheriff's spokesman Jim Shires said.

With temperatures rising into the mid-90s for a second straight day, the fire began spreading in dry trees near Conifer. Smoke could be seen from the Denver area, 20 miles away.

The area is sparsely populated but officials said they were concerned wind could cause the fire to spread. A rock ridge between the fire and homes helped crews contain the blaze, Shires said.

A crew of about 20 firefighters was battling the blaze after hiking into the thickly wooded hills, Jefferson County sheriff's spokesman Jim Shires said.