Overview
- The fire erupted Thursday in Mountain View Estates during a designated no-burn day, rapidly growing to about 60 acres and destroying two homes.
- Mandatory evacuations cover 50 residences (25 in a high-risk 'hot zone') and a five-mile pre-evacuation advisory extends beyond the core area.
- Chaffee County, state and federal fire agencies are conducting aerial and ground suppression operations to contain the blaze.
- A red-flag warning remained in effect until 9 p.m. Thursday as high winds and critically dry vegetation fueled rapid fire spread.
- Evacuees are sheltered at the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office with provisions for pets at local facilities and no livestock evacuations are planned.