Wildfire Burns Homes In Estes Park
ESTES PARK, Colo. (CBS4) - Firefighters are battling a wildfire that broke out in Estes Park on Saturday and destroyed or damaged 16 structures.
The Woodland Heights Fire broke out around noon and was estimated at 20 acres at about 4 p.m. There were reports that tourist traffic had hampered firefighting efforts.
A Type 3 Management team is on scene. Air support is working the fire with helicopters drawing water from Mary's Lake.
Crews from Loveland, Lyons, Allenspark, Poudre Fire Authority, Fourmile, Nederland, Berthoud and Glen Haven are said to be helping battle the fire.
Larimer County Sheriff Justin Smith knows some of the people who lost their homes to the fire.
"I know this area, I lived here for many years in Estes Park. We have friends who live up here. I know some of these people, it's tough," Smith said. "This summer just keeps beating on people up here, although they're resilient; they continue to fight back, but it's tough."
The Red Cross has set up a shelter at Estes Park High School located at 1600 Manford Avenue.
Rocky Mountain National Park officials have closed the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station on US 36. The road is closed from the intersection of US 36/Highway 66 into the park. Those park visitors who are trying to exit through Beaver Meadows Entrance are being rerouted to exit the park via US 34 and the Fall River Entrance.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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