DURANGO, Colo. (AP) - The Latest on a wildfire that has forced evacuations in southwest Colorado (all times local):
9:15 p.m.
A wildfire in southwest Colorado has scorched nearly two square miles and forced the evacuation of 825 homes.
La Plata County officials say the fire was spotted Friday morning north of Durango and spread quickly in shifting winds, burning about 1,100 acres (445 hectares). The wind settled down Friday night, but residents in another 750 homes were told to get ready to leave in a moment’s notice.
U.S. Highway 550 will remain closed overnight.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad canceled Saturday rides as a result of the severe fire danger. Passengers on Friday were taken to Silverton and were bused back to Durango.
The Durango Herald reports that several witnesses indicated the fire started near the train tracks, although no official cause has been released.
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5:30 p.m.
A wildfire that forced evacuations and closed a highway in southwest Colorado has burned at least a square mile.
La Plata County officials say the fire was spotted Friday morning and had scorched 863 acres (349 hectares) north of Durango by late afternoon. The Durango Herald reports that at least 500 homes were evacuated in a handful of neighborhoods along U.S. Highway 550, which has been closed in the area.
At least eight structures are threatened by the blaze.
Meanwhile, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad canceled Saturday rides as a result of the severe fire danger. Passengers on Friday were taken to Silverton and were bused back to Durango.
The Herald reports that several witnesses indicated the fire started near the train tracks, although no official cause has been released.
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4 p.m.
Firefighters are battling a wildfire that has forced evacuations and closed a highway in southwest Colorado.
The Durango Herald reports the fire was spotted Friday morning and has so far scorched at least 200 acres (81 hectares) north of the town. At least 500 homes were evacuated in a handful of neighborhoods along U.S. Highway 550, which has been closed in the area.
At least eight structures are threatened by the blaze.
Meanwhile, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad canceled Saturday rides as a result of the severe fire danger. Passengers on Friday were taken to Silverton and were being bused back to Durango.
The Herald reports that several witnesses indicated the fire started near the train tracks, although no official cause has been released.
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