Wildfire Burns Multiple Structures, Prompts Evacuations In Wetmore Area

WETMORE, Colo. (CBS4/AP) — A fire in Wetmore west of Pueblo has prompted hundreds of evacuations and there are reports that multiple structures have been lost.

Custer County sheriff's officials say they are working to evacuate the town of Wetmore as the fire spreads in high winds, and Pueblo County sheriff's officials say they are evacuating 308 homes in their jurisdiction.

Several evacuation centers have been set up in Florence by the Red Cross. Pets and larger animals can be brought to the Pueblo County Fairgrounds.

Colorado Highway 96 is closed to westbound traffic at the far west Lake Pueblo entrance.

The Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center reports the fire was about 600 to 700 acres Tuesday afternoon.

"There are multiple structures that are being reported as lost," Micki Trost with the Colorado Emergency Management Team said.

Twelve structures have been lost but it's not clear if they were homes.

FEMA has approved emergency funding.

The National Weather Service in Pueblo reported gusts up to 79 mph outside Wetmore just before 1 p.m. Tuesday. Two helicopters are assigned to the fire but can't fly because of the wind.

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