Wildfire in Conejos County prompts new evacuations, road closures in southern Colorado
CONEJOS COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -— A fire that broke out Saturday night is now measuring around 200 acres, with evacuations and pre-evacuation notices in place.
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is calling the blaze the Menkhaven Fire. Officials report that it's burning about seven miles northwest of Fox Creek.
USFS said there was no significant growth overnight, with ground and air crews actively working to contain the blaze throughout Sunday morning.
Evacuation orders are active for those living north of Highway 17 from Fox Creek to Horca. There is an evacuation center operating out of the Parish Hall in Antonito.
Officials also issued pre-evacuation notices for Orca, Rainbow Lodge and up Conejos Canyon on Forest Service Road 205 to Rocky Mountain Lodge. A pre-evacuation notice was also issued Sunday morning for the south side of Highway 17 from Fox Creek to Horca. Residents in the area are advised to shelter in place, because they will not be allowed back if they leave due to fire zone closures.
USFS said the fire is also shutting down roads, with Highway 17 closed 9 miles south of Antonito up to mile post 28 near Cumbres Pass.
Thick smoke near the blaze is also prompting state health officials to issue an Air Quality Health Advisory for southern Conejos County. As of Sunday afternoon, it's expected to expire Monday morning.
