More Structures Burn In Beulah Hill Fire

BEULAH, Colo. (CBS4)- The wildfire burning near Beulah in southern Colorado has destroyed 14 structures since it broke out Monday. Eight were homes and another six were outbuildings.

The Beulah Hill Fire started near the town of Beulah in Pueblo County on Monday, sending plumes of smoke into the air.

Strong winds that gusted up to 50 mph helped fuel the blaze in terrain that ranged from grassy to steep canyons. The fire grew to more than seven square miles, or nearly 5,000 acres, on Tuesday.

Homeowners said they couldn't believe how quickly the fire spread.

"I went into Beulah, which is about 3-and-a-half miles from my house and the road was closed and we were pretty close to the fire at that point," said evacuee Billy Cumby.

Photo Gallery: Beulah Hill Fire

About 1,950 residents living in the town and the surrounding area 25 miles southwest of Pueblo were ordered to evacuate after the fire continued to spread in several directions.

Evacuees watched crews attack the fire from the air with three helicopters and three airplanes. Another 400 firefighters battled the blaze from the ground, including crews from South Metro Fire Rescue.

Firefighters hope calmer winds and cooler temperatures will help them get the upper hand on the fire.

There is no timetable on when residents can return to their homes because of the fire's unpredictability. No one has been injured.

The cause of the fire remains unknown.

Wildfire Resources

- Visit CBSDenver.com's Living With Wildfire section.

Wildfire Photo Galleries

- See images from the most destructive wildfires (Black Forest, Waldo Canyon, High Park and Fourmile) and largest wildfire (Hayman) in Colorado history.