Fire in Monte Vista burns ‘numerous’ homes
RIO GRANDE COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Multiple crews responded to a fire burning in Rio Grande County.
Emergency officials said at a press conference the fire burned 'numerous' homes in a residential area of Monte Vista, but did not know a specific amount yet. The fire happened about a mile from the city's downtown area.
At 2:37 p.m., the DFPC sent two engines, Incident Commander, Battalion Chief, Type 1, and MMA to support.
Just before 2 p.m., the Monte Vista School District announced they were evacuating Marsh School. Parents and guardians are asked to pick their children up immediately at Bill Metz.
Due to power and water being out in all other district buildings, the district is releasing all other schools early.
According to San Luis Valley Emergency, there are mandatory evacuations north of Highway 285, between Jefferson St. and N. Henderson Rd. as of 2:12 p.m.
Evacuees are told to go to the Ski Hi Complex, off Sherman Ave. A spokesperson with the Ski Hi events center said there are roughly 50 people at the shelter as of 2:45 p.m. She also confirmed smoke was visible throughout the town.
The Red Cross is supporting the evacuation center.
The Red Cross is supporting an #EvacuationCenter for the residents affected by the fire in #MonteVista. Evac center is located at Ski Hi Complex: 2235 Sherman Ave, Monte Visto, CO. 41144. pic.twitter.com/kID0tMPN3s
— cowyredcross (@COWYRedCross) April 20, 2022
According to the Costilla County Office of Emergency Management, a helicopter is dropping water on the fire. Officials say they're "making good progress."
Watch an update provided by Monte Vista officials below:
This is a developing story.
