COSTILLA COUNTY, Colo. — A wildfire in Colorado exploded from 4,000 acres Thursday to nearly 24,000 acres overnight in Costilla County. The Spring Fire was burning out of control on Friday, CBS Denver reports.
Some structures were burned by the wildfire but authorities haven’t said whether they were homes, outbuildings or businesses.
The fire broke out five miles east of Fort Garland on Wednesday evening and has since entered Huerfano County. It was moving east toward Highway 160 and the community of La Veta.
On Thursday, officials said 80 to 100 firefighters were battling the blaze, along with fixed-wing aircraft dropping fire retardant and helicopters making water drops. At one point, fire crews were pulled out of the area due to the danger of advancing flames. Dry conditions, rough terrain and strong winds gave the fire the upper hand.
Smoke looms near La Veta Pass in Costillo County in southern Colorado, from one of several wildfires burning in Colorado and Utah on June 28, 2018.
Eric Flores / AP
South Metro Fire Rescue crews arrived Friday to help fight the blaze. They’re just one of the many departments across the state helping to try to contain the massive fire.
About 2,500 people were evacuated in Forbes Park. Shelters for evacuees were set up at the Blanca-Fort Garland Community Center and the Huerfano Community Center in Walsenburg. Four people sought shelter at the Blanca center while 14 others stayed in Walsenburg, the Red Cross said in a statement.
Another day of red flag conditions were forecast for Friday. Temperatures were expected to be in the mid to high 80s with a humidity of 6-10 percent.
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