Choppers join Colo. wildfire fight

GOLDEN, Colo. -- Crews battling the wildfire burning in the foothills west of Denver were getting some help from the air Wednesday as windy weather diminished.

Helicopters were dropping water on the fire that has burned nearly 2 square miles of steep, wooded terrain near Golden. An air crew was flying above the fire and letting ground crews know of any changes in fire behavior.

Winds gusting up to 75 mph Tuesday had grounded air support, but they have since eased.

Authorities say the strong winds actually prevented the fire from spreading because the winds caused the fire to burn back on itself.

The fire was 25 percent contained Wednesday.

About 290 firefighters were assigned to the blaze, which has been burning dry grass, brush and trees since Sunday, and more were on the way, said Jefferson County sheriff's spokeswoman Jacki Kelley.

Meteorologists say wildfires are common this time of year, when strong wind persists and vegetation is dry. Compounding that was a severe drought, which is affecting most of Colorado.