UPDATE: US 50 reopened, Spike Buck Fire contained near Cañon City

US 50 reopened Thursday afternoon in both directions 14 miles west of Canon City.

The Bureau of Land Management and Colorado Department of Transportation reopened the highway and the Arkansas River at 1 p.m.

US 50 had been closed from Texas Creek to Parkdale because of the Spike Buck Fire. 

Rafting had also been halted between Parkdale and Texas Creek.

The Bureau of Land Management says the fire is contained and burned 6 acres of land. 

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, the closure was caused by a wildfire on the side of the road.  US 50 was closed between State Highway 9 near Parkdale, just west of the Royal Gorge and Texas Creek. 

The fire was burning in steep terrain along the south side of the highway, making it difficult for firefighters to fight.

"The cooler temperatures and higher humidity have helped us get a handle on this fire," said Keith Berger, BLM Royal Gorge Field Manager.  "Thanks to Deer Mountain Fire, Tallahasse Fire, Fremont County, and the Colorado Department of Transportation, we were able to attack this fire quickly."