Northern Colorado fire spurs new evacuations, health alert

DENVER (AP) - Heavy winds brought smoke to much of Colorado’s Front Range on Labor Day from a growing wildfire that has triggered evacuations around Rocky Mountain National Park.

More evacuations have been ordered ahead of the wind-driven wildfire in northern Colorado.

Fire spokeswoman Alissa Tanner said the Cameron Peak Fire near Red Feather Lakes expanded to more than 92 square miles (238 square kilometers) by Monday morning and was threatening homes and businesses along Highway 14.

Winds of up to 40 miles per hour and dry weather were in the short-term forecast, creating potentially dangerous conditions.

A cold front overnight Monday was forecast to drop six to 12 inches of snow across the burn area, providing some relief for fire crews.