A fast-moving on Colorado’s Western Slope on Wednesday afternoon after starting in a backyard in Rifle, fire officials said.
The Willow fire was first reported at 4 p.m. as a backyard fire that was threatening a home in the 100 block of Willow Creek Circle, Colorado River Fire Rescue officials said in a news release.
“Due to strong winds and heavy fuel conditions, the fire quickly spread beyond the structure into the wildland area along Government Creek,” agency officials said.
High winds continued to push the fire toward Rifle Creek Apartments, and law enforcement officials ordered evacuations near Willow Creek Circle and West 30th Street.
The wildfire spread to the roof of an eight-unit apartment building at the complex and caused significant damage. The building is believed to be a total loss, fire officials said.
“Fire crews remain on scene working to contain the fire, extinguish hot spots and assess damage,” Colorado River Fire Rescue officials said Wednesday night. “The cause of the fire remains under investigation.”
The Willow fire burned an estimated 3 acres, according to the Bureau of Land Management’s fire information dashboard.
People displaced by the fire can go to the Garfield County Fairgrounds, 1001 Railroad Ave. in Rifle.
