UPDATE: Wildfire burning in Bent County reaches 80% containment; all pre-evacuations lifted
SUNDAY, MARCH 3 UPDATE:
The Las Animas/Bent County Fire Protection District announced on Sunday that the Boggsville fire is now 80% contained and remains at 1,030 acres. All pre-evacuations were lifted Sunday night.
Officials said that fire crews were able to suppress sections of the blaze that jumped the river on the north side.
Crews are suppressing hotspots as well as reinforcing any fire breaks on all sides of the blaze, excluding the north side which is currently being held by the inaccessible Arkansas River, the announcement said.
Saturday, March 2 update:
Evacuations have been lifted for a wildfire burning near Boggsville in Bent County Saturday.
The fire, which had burned an estimated 1,030 acres as of 8:30 p.m. Saturday, is 0% contained, according to an update posted to the the Las Animas/Bent County Fire Protection District Facebook page.
Photo via Las Animas/Bent County Fire Protection District
Evacuations were lifted around 7 p.m., though residents were still on pre-evacuation notice. A Red Cross evacuation shelter was closed at 6:45 p.m.
Because of the fire, visitation at the Bent County Correctional Facility was canceled for Sunday.
Officials said the fire sparked Saturday morning amid fire danger warnings that were issued for the area. Evacuation orders were initially in place for residents along U.S 50, east of Las Animas and Fort Lyon.
According to the fire district, the rapidly progressing” fire had burned a total of 470 acres at 1:30 p.m., and by 3:30 p.m., the fire had nearly doubled, burning a total of 831 acres with 0% containment, a social media announcement stated.
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado 101 was closed between 11th Street and County Road BB, south of Las Animas. U.S. 50, which was closed for several hours Saturday, reopened at 4:30 p.m.
Earlier in the day, officials with the John Martin Reservoir asked the public to avoid visiting the area, and reported that Park Rangers were facilitating evacuation orders.
According to reservoir officials, the fire was affecting the west end of the property, and the Black Bridge and Keller areas were closed to the public.
Reports by Gazette news partner KOAA say smoke from the fire is visible from La Junta.
Click or Tap Here for a map of the impacted area and live fire updates.
This is a developing story. This article will be updated once more information is received.
Evacuations have been lifted for a wildfire burning near Boggsville in Bent County. The fire, which had burned an estimated 1,030 acres as of 8:30 p.m. Saturday, is 0% contained.