A fire in Clear Creek Canyon that shut down U.S. 6 in both directions had grown to 25 acres as of about 8:30 p.m. Friday, according to the Jeffco Sheriff’s Office.
The highway is closed in Clear Creek Canyon, between Colorado 93 and Colorado 119, west of Golden. Jeffco Sheriff Public Information Officer Mike Taplin suggested that drivers use Interstate 70 as an alternate route.
No one had been evacuated as of Friday evening, but some residents in the area had received notices to prepare in case of a later evacuation call.
The Bald Mountain fire, as first responders have dubbed it, was initially determined to involve one acre at around 3 p.m. Friday, but spread as the evening went on. The sheriff’s office said about 50 firefighters would continue working overnight, though air operations were called off when darkness fell.
Eight fire departments have responded, including Genessee, Clear Creek, Golden, Foothills and Intercanyon. It’s too early to speculate when the fire could be under control and the highway might reopen, Taplin said.
Highway 6 is closed indefinitely through Clear Creek Canyon due to a wildfire burning on the ridge just above the highway. Please@find alternate routes.
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This story will be updated as more information becomes available.