FORT COLLINS, Colo.—Strong winds fueled a wildfire in canyon country west of Fort Collins that scorched 2,000 acres, forcing the evacuation of 335 homes.
Authorities Sunday are investigating an eyewitness report that one home was destroyed. The blaze earlier destroyed an outbuilding, a motorcycle and an all-terrain vehicle. No injuries have been reported.
The fire developed Saturday in the rugged, hilly area located about 15 miles west of Fort Collins, and grew rapidly overnight as wind speed increased to 50 mph.
Smoke from the blaze was spreading into Fort Collins and the surrounding area early Sunday. Winds calmed down Sunday morning and rain and snow is forecast for the area.
“This is becoming a major fire,” Larimer County Sheriff’s spokesman John Schulz told The Associated Press. Authorities estimate that the fire now exceeds 2,000 acres and hope to get a better estimate later Sunday.
He said the evacuations were in three areas: 40 homes south of Buckhorn Canyon, 70 homes east of Crystal Mountain Road, and 225 homes around Redstone Canyon
Schulz said that although there has been no confirmation of any homes damaged by flames, he added, “I know there were structures that were threatened.”
Evacuation shelters have been set up at Cache La Poudre Elementary School and Big Thompson Elementary School.
Officials said two other areas—Davis Ranch Road and Rist Canyon—have been urged to be prepared to evacuate if the situation calls for it.
Smoke from the blazes was spreading into Fort Collins and the surrounding area early Sunday before winds calmed down. Rain and snow, which may aid in controlling the fire, were expected Sunday.
