Large fire prompts evacuations in La Plata County
People were ordered to evacuate their homes Friday due to a wildfire that has burned more than a hundred acres near Durango.
Winds are blowing the 416 Fire toward the Rockwood subdivision, according to La Plata County. The fire had burned about 200 acres as of 2:50 p.m.
An evacuation was ordered for the subdivision south to Baker’s Bridge on the east side of U.S. Highway 550 west of the Animas River. Evacuees can go to the La Plata County Fairgrounds.
Hwy 550 is closed between mile markers 34 and 48.
Highway closure expanded to mile markers 34 to 38 on U.S. Highway 550 due to #416Fire. pic.twitter.com/9oAThuANVd
— La Plata County, CO (@LaPlataCountyCO) June 1, 2018
UPDATE: This wildfire has grown by another 600 acres. So far, it is reported that no homes or structures have been lost. It remains at ten percent containment, with 400 firefighters supported by six helicopters and two air tankers fighting the blaze. They have prevented it from crossing Highway 550 as of now.
This is a developing story. Check back for more updates.