A fast-moving wildfire burning on more than 800 acres of land south of Las Animas shut down Colorado 101 and sparked evacuation orders in the area Saturday.
As of 3:30 p.m. Saturday, what emergency officials have dubbed the “Boggsville fire” had grown to 831 acres of land with 0% containment and was still rapidly growing, according to an update from the Las Animas/Bent County Fire Protection District on social media.
Evacuation orders are in place for east of Las Animas and Fort Lyon, the fire protection district stated on social media Saturday. Those living just south of Highway 50 at Bent Fort Inn to Fort Lyon are also under an evacuation order.
According to Bent County officials, more than 200 people have been evacuated from Fort Lyon, an area to the east of where the fire is burning.
The American Red Cross’ Southeastern Colorado Chapter opened an evacuation center for the Boggsville Fire at the Las Animas Community Center, located at 1214 Ambassador Thompson Boulevard.
The Colorado Air Pollution Control Division issued an air quality health advisory for wildfire smoke from 1 p.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday. The advisory covers northern portions of Bent County, including Fort Lyon, Hasty and areas near John Martin Reservoir State Park
Crews from fire agencies have responded to the scene, including Lamar Fire and Emergency Services, Cimarron Hills Fire Department, Manzanola Volunteer Fire Department and the Hasty-McClave Fire Protection District, the fire protection district stated.
The fire is threatening several structures, according to the Cimarron Hills Fire Department.
Colorado 101 closed between 11th Street and County Road BB south of Las Animas around 11:30 a.m. Saturday for the fire, and reopened just after 6:15 p.m., according to Colorado State Patrol.
Warm, dry weather across the Front Range and Eastern Plains increased fire danger Saturday. A red flag warning remains in effect until 8 p.m.
High winds and low humidity meant rapid rates of fire growth and spread were possible, National Weather Service meteorologists stated.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
