Wildfire prompts evacuations at John Martin Reservoir State Park

BENT COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Staff and visitors were told to evacuate Thursday evening after a wildfire sparked at John Martin Reservoir State Park.

As of Friday morning, the fire had grown to 250 acres and was 50% contained, Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported.

A spokesman with Bent County Fire tells KRDO that five structures are threatened and have been evacuated as a precaution. The community of Caddoa is under pre-evacuation notice.

The wildfire started around 5:30 p.m. in a riverbed on the north side of the Arkansas River about four miles east of the park, said Bent County Fire. Since then, the fire has moved closer to the park and burned 500 acres.

Firefighters will continue to monitor the situation throughout the night. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Check back here for updates.