Fire In Northern Colorado Damages 1 Structure

A wildfire in northern Colorado has destroyed one structure and has prompted evacuations of 13 homes.

Larimer County sheriff’s officials say 53 more homes and three businesses have been alerted to prepare for possible evacuations.

Authorities say the fire about 40 miles northwest of Fort Collins grew quickly to an estimated 200 acres Monday. It wasn’t immediately known how it started.

A single engine air tanker and firefighting helicopter are on scene.

Meanwhile, firefighters in western Colorado are mopping up a wildfire that burned nearly 9 square miles of rugged terrain north of Paradox near the Utah border.

Near Pagosa Springs, a fire that has scorched nearly 8 square miles is about 30 percent contained. Crews say much of the risk associated with that blaze has been significantly reduced.