Evacuations ordered for wildland fire in Conejos County Saturday evening

CONEJOS COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO)-- San Luis Valley Emergency said residents in Antonito in Conejos County living north of Highway 17 from Fox Creek to Horca should evacuate now.

An evacuation center is being set up at the Parish Hall in Antonito. Three large air tankers are on scene for the fire that is approximately 197 acres.

There is also a pre-evacuation notice for Orca, Rainbow Lodge, and up Conejos Canyon to the Rocky Mountain Lodge.

Heavy smoke from what is now being called the Menkhaven Fire is possible overnight, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

The Colorado Department of Transportation says CO-17 is closed in both directions due to the fire. CDOT says to watch for emergency crews as they respond to the wildland fire. Officials said to expect delays and seek an alternate route.

The fire is reported south of Alamosa near the New Mexico Border.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.