DENVER—Hot, dry weather and gusty winds are fueling two new wildfires in Colorado, prompting evacuations in some of the most scenic tourist areas in the state.
A wildfire reported west of Colorado Springs on Saturday afternoon has grown to an estimated 600 acres. The Gazette ( ) reports authorities are evacuating the exclusive Cedar Heights neighborhood, and a large plume of smoke can be seen near the Garden of the Gods nature center, which also was evacuated.
Meanwhile, Rocky Mountain National Park spokeswoman Kyle Patterson says a fire involving structures erupted near the Beaver Meadows Entrance on the east side of the park Saturday afternoon.
Ron Roth, a spokesman for the Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center, says some evacuations are taking place and several aircraft are working the blaze.
