A wildfire burning in northern Ouray County on Thursday scorched about 370 acres and residents in the area were ordered to evacuate.
Firefighters are at the scene, and the public is urged to stay away. Residents in the area of Simms Mesa Road, Government Springs Road and Wild Cat Canyon are under an evacuation order, according to the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office.
EVACUATION NOTICE
Any individuals that reside between Simms Mesa Rd, Government Springs Road as well as Wild Cat Canyon, EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY. The evacuation area is a 5 mile radius of the pin on the map. Coordinates are 38.2763, -107.9271.— Montrose County Sheriff's Office (@montrosesheriff)
The Simms fire is burning along the edge of Ouray and Montrose counties. The evacuation area is about a 5-mile radius. The fire was releasing a large column of smoke Thursday.
Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest officials planned earlier this week to conduct a prescribed burn in the area.
-The plans to conduct the Simms Mesa RX today depending upon conditions. One day of hand ignition will be conducted followed by patrolling for the remainder of the week.
Look for updated information at— GMUG National Forests (@GMUG_NF)
GMUG reported the fire to be about 370 acres on Thursday night. Structures are threatened by the fire, the forest service said in a news release. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The area, like other widespread parts of the state, is under a red flag warning for critical fire danger until 10 p.m. Thursday. Winds in the area, according to the National Weather Service, were 20 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph expected on Thursday night.
