PUEBLO, Colo. (AP) - The Latest on a wind-driven wildfire burning in the small mountain community of Beulah southwest of Pueblo (all times local):
9:20 p.m.
Authorities have evacuated more than 500 buildings that are threatened by a wind-driven wildfire near the small mountain community of Beulah southwest of Pueblo.
Fire officials say the evacuation order Monday has affected about 1,250 residents, and more people in Beulah have been told to leave if necessary. No injuries were reported.
The fire, which has destroyed at least seven structures and burned about 4 square miles, started on top of Beulah Hill on the east side of the community and jumped Colorado Highway 78 on Monday afternoon.
Firefighters say high winds are hampering their efforts to tamp down the flames.
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6:40 p.m.
A fast-moving wildfire in the small mountain community of Beulah southwest of Pueblo has scorched nearly 4 square miles and destroyed at least seven structures. No injuries have been reported.
Pueblo County sheriff’s officials say the fire is moving southeast and is burning on both sides of Colorado Highway 78. About 60 people have been forced out of the area, and people in Beulah have been told to prepare to leave if necessary.
Aerial support has been requested to fight the fire but is being hampered by high winds.
The fire started on top of Beulah Hill on the east side of the community and jumped Highway 78 on Monday afternoon.
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5:40 p.m.
A wildfire driven by gusty winds southwest of Pueblo has destroyed several structures and forced evacuations in the small community of Beulah. No injuries have been reported.
The Pueblo Chieftain reports (https://goo.gl/1THzAE ) the fire started on top of Beulah Hill on the east side of the mountain community and jumped Colorado Highway 78 on Monday afternoon.
A water-carrying helicopter was called from Monument but was diverted to Fremont County Airport because of high winds.
Pueblo County sheriff’s officials say residents in a 2-mile radius of the Hurricane Ranch area were forced from their homes, and students at Beulah School were taken to another school.
The sheriff’s office did not say what caused the fire or how many structures were destroyed.
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4 p.m.
Authorities say a wind-whipped wildfire southwest of Pueblo has destroyed several structures and forced evacuations east of the town of Beulah.
Pueblo County sheriff’s officials say residents in a 2-mile radius of the Hurricane Ranch area were forced from their homes Monday afternoon, and students at Beulah School were taken to another school. High winds are making it hard for firefighters to size up and attack the blaze.
The sheriff’s office did not say what caused the fire or what types of structures were destroyed.
Beulah is about 25 miles southwest of Pueblo.
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