Evacuation/pre-evacuation still in place for Oak Ridge Fire – cause determined to be lightning
BEULAH, Colo. (KRDO) -
UPDATE: 8:15 p.m. The Forest Service says the fire has reached 275 acres in size with zero percent containment. It is located three miles northwest of Beulah. The agency says the cause of the fire is lightning. All evacuation and pre-evacuation orders are still in place. Fire crews will remain at the scene throughout the night to monitor fire behavior.
UPDATE 6:30 p.m. The American Red Cross has set up an evacuation center on Cooper Pl. in Pueblo. Trailers and campers are welcome. Small pets are also welcome.
UPDATE: At 4:50 p.m. the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office said that the fire is now 213 acres. Beulah water district is threatened. A media briefing is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. and can be watched below.
UPDATE: At 3:25 p.m. the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office said that the fire is now 170 acres. There is a mandatory evacuation for Middle Creek Road.
A reception center is being set up at the Pueblo County Parks and Recreation Building at 1650 Cooper Place in the Salt Creek neighborhood.
A pre-evacuation notice is in effect for residents on Vine Mesa, Cascade Ave., Pine Ave, and Beulah Highlands Road. Be ready to evacuate if needed.
CART (Community Animal Response Team) is setting up a shelter for large animals at the 4Bar S, 6675 Hwy 78. Livestock only will be accepted. Anyone in need of a truck or trailer to transport animals contact Beth at 719-251-0245.
UPDATE: At 2:40 p.m., the Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District announced that this is now a mandatory evacuation and Cascade Ave, Pine Ave, and Beulah Highlands are under a pre-evacuation notice.
The Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District has issued pre-evacuation orders via Facebook for Middle Creek Canyon Residents due to the growing Oak Ridge Fire.
Officials say the fire has grown to 30 acres as of 2:02 p.m. July 24. As of BFPAD's most recent update just 30 minutes before the pre-evacuation status was issued, officials say heavy winds fueled the fire causing the massive 25-acre jump.
This is a developing story. We will continue to update this article as more information becomes available.
