Fire growing near Silverthorne, moving towards I-70
Crews battled a fire near Silverthorne, known as the Buffalo Mountain Fire Tuesday afternoon.
3 p.m.
Over 1,300 homes have been evacuated by a new wildfire burning in Colorado’s mountains.
The fire was reported Tuesday near the town of Silverthorne in Summit County, which is home to several ski resorts.
Firefighters say residents of hundreds of other homes have been warned to be ready to evacuate because of the fire, which has burned about 90 acres. No homes have been lost.
The fire is burning near two densely populated developments.
Firefighters are getting some help from firefighting aircraft as they try to stop the fire early.
1:35 p.m.
The fire was reported Tuesday near the town of Silverthorne in Summit County, which is home to several ski resorts.
It’s not clear how many homes are being evacuated from two affected housing developments.
Sheriff Jaime FitzSimons estimated to KUSA-TV that over 1,000 people could be affected by the evacuations. He says the developments are densely populated, serving as homes for area workers, rather than having sprawling vacation homes.
Firefighters are hoping to stop the fire early and have asked for air support to help.
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The fire has burned roughly 90 acres and is sending out embers that are setting spot fires within surrounding neighborhoods. Evacuations are in order for Wildernest and Mesa Cortina neighborhoods.
Jayson Luber from ABC 7 reports, winds are strong and the fire is making its way to I-70. Luber says if the fire gets close enough the interstate may have to close.
Evacuees may go to the Silverthorne Recreation Center for shelter and updates.
Summit County Animal Control is helping to retrieve pets. Call the Summit County Animal Control hotline at (970) 668-4143 if you need help retrieving your pet.
The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control’s multi-mission aircraft is en route to map out the fire in order to figure out defense strategies.
If you have questions about the Buffalo Mountain Fire call the hotline at (970) 668-9730.
KRDO will work to bring you the latest updates.
