Weston Pass Fire Grows; Hwy 285 Closed
PARK COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - The Weston Pass Fire burning in Park County has scorched 1,500 acres according to the sheriff's office.
The fire is burning about nine miles southwest of Fairplay. The fire forced Highway 285 to close between Fairplay and Antero Junction. The Colorado Department of Transportation says drivers can use CO 9 from Fairplay to Hartsel and US 24 from Hartsel to Antero Junction as alternates.
Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for residents in the immediate vicinity. Officials say those living in the Black Mountain subdivisions are under voluntary evacuation orders, but they should be ready to leave at any time.
County Road 22 is closed to all traffic, and residents are encouraged to move livestock and pets out of the area. Livestock is being taken at the Park County Fairgrounds.
The fire is 10 percent contained. Investigators haven't released a cause of the fire.
A community meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at the Communty Center at 880 Bogue Street in Fairplay.
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), the deadliest (Storm King) and largest wildfire (Hayman) in Colorado history.
