June 13 (UPI) — Thousands of homes in Colorado are under threat from growing wildfires in the state, which have also forced a number of evacuations and closures.
In Summit County, about 1,400 homes have been evacuated and more than 1,000 could be in danger in the path of the Buffalo Mountain Fire. It’s one of six wildfires burning in Colorado.
The Buffalo Mountain blaze started Tuesday, near Silverthorne about 65 miles west of Denver, and has burned more than 100 acres in the Arapahoe and Roosevelt national forests.
The 416 Fire, the largest in the state, has burned more than 23,000 acres in La Plata County near the New Mexico border, county spokeswoman Megan Graham said.
Since the 416 Fire began near Durango June 1, it’s closed the San Juan National Forest and burned largely out of control.
Nearly 1,000 firefighters are working to douse the 416 Fire, which officials said is 15 percent contained.
So far, no injuries or structural damage has been reported.
Tuesday, Gov. John Hickenlooper said emergency officials are working to integrate state resources with federal, county and municipal assistance.
“We recognize the conditions are dry and hot. Public health and safety are the top priorities in fighting any fire,” Hickenlooper said. “If you are in the fire zones, please follow safety procedures and directives. Our state agencies are here to support you. As we have proved time and time again, Coloradans are resilient.”
State and local public health agencies have issued air quality advisories warning residents to stay inside until smoke clears.
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