Pechota’s Rocky Mountain Type 2 Incident Management Team has now taken over command of a wildfire 8 miles northwest of Westcliffe in Custer County.
The Duckett Fire, which started Sunday, has grown to 1,800 acres and has forced evacuations in Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp and Eagle Peak subdivision, according to a release from the Forest Service.
The Associated Press reported that residents of about 50 homes in Custer County have been warned to be ready to evacuate if the fire spreads southward.
Residents of another 50 homes in Fremont County to the north have already been asked to voluntarily evacuate but it’s not clear how many have decided to leave.
Dry brush in the area is helping to speed up the fire. The forecast for the area does not all for high winds, but gusts are possible later this afternoon. Fire crews are working to try and protect structures in the area and set up fire lines.
The estimated cost of fighting the fire has reached $100,000.
Residents and the general public are reminded to use caution when traveling on Colo. 69 due to heavy fire traffic and smoke.
Mitchell Byars: mbyars@denverpost.com
