‘Vision Hills Fire’ on northeast side of Pueblo 80% contained, still no structures affected

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) - Fire crews continue to battle a brush fire that ignited Friday along Fountain Creek on the northeast side of Pueblo.

The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) ordered evacuations Friday afternoon for homes located a half-mile north of 1945 Overton Road, involving approximately 25 homes; however, some of those evacuations were lifted late Saturday morning.

The PCSO also said that the fire poses no threat to the nearby Colorado State University-Pueblo campus and no evacuations were needed there.

As of late Saturday morning, authorities said that the fire had grown to 107 acres and was 80% contained -- however, stronger winds are expected for the area Saturday.

A public health alert issued Friday by the Pueblo County Health Department continues through Sunday; people are advised to stay indoors and limit outdoor activity because of reduced air quality from several fires in the area.

The PCSO posted photos on its Facebook page showing how several restaurants responded to a late notice to provide food for first responders at the scene.

Road closures in the area due to the fire included North and Southbound Jerry Murphy Road/Overton Road from Bluestem to Pinon Rd. and east and westbound Vision Hills Parkway from Jerry Murphy Road to Castor Drive, according to the PCSO.

A reception center for residents who have had to evacuate has been set up at the Pueblo County Parks Office, located at 1650 Cooper Place. Enter off of Roselawn Rd. Residents can take large animals to the Liberty Landing Stables at 1401 S. McCulloch Blvd. in Pueblo West. A secondary location will also be available at 4 Bar S, located at 6675 Colorado Hwy 78. Residents with small pets can bring them to the reception center.

Air resources have responded to the fire; citizens should not have drones up in the area as they can hinder firefighting operations.

Mutual aid was requested from other firefighting agencies in the county. According to the PCSO, agencies that responded are Pueblo City Fire, Pueblo County Emergency Services Division Fire, Pueblo Rural Fire, Beulah Fire, Rye Fire, West Park, Hanover Fire, Pueblo Chemical Depot, Pueblo County Roads and Bridges and Division of Fire Protection & Control and AMR.

The PCSO said that the Vision Hills Fire is burning east of Fountain Creek and west of Jerry Murphy Rd., where it turns into Overton Rd.