Fire crews have 50 percent containment on a wildfire burning on the plains in Bent County, as nine homes have been evacuated.
As of 9 a.m. on Saturday, the 500-acre fire has not destroyed any structures and is not currently expanding, Bent County emergency manager Rick Stwalley said.
“The fire is currently laying down because the weather is cooperating,” Stwalley said. “But with thunderstorms expected this afternoon, that could change things.”
Fire crews are mostly monitoring the fire to keep it from growing, Stwalley said.
“We’re letting the interior burn because it’s hard to get in there right now,” he said.
Three local fire departments, along with resources from state emergency management and the national guard, are assisting in the efforts.
Those evacuated have sheltered with family and friends, Stwalley said, adding that the county opened a shelter, but it was not utilized Friday night.
Wildfires in Colorado and the U.S.
The map shows active wildfire locations in 2019. The map defaults to Colorado; to see all wildfires, click “U.S.” in the view area. Click the map layers icon in the top right corner of the map to change map backgrounds and to toggle active and contained fires. Click a marker or perimeter for details. To view the full map and a table of all wildfires, click here.
*Data comes from two sources, and , and could contain inconsistencies. Map by Kevin Hamm and Daniel J. Schneider.