UPDATED: 3:29 p.m. July 6, 2020
A wildfire near Mile Marker 61 on Hwy. 13 north of Meeker has prompted the evacuation of Colowyo mine Tuesday afternoon, according to the Craig Press.
The fire, of undetermined origin, jumped the highway earlier Tuesday, fueled by dry conditions and high winds. The highway has been closed intermittently throughout the day to allow fire crews from Moffatt County to work.
According to a social media post from the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office, “The Streeter Fire located in the area of Colowyo Coal mine at about milepost 62 on Colorado Highway 13 has been upgraded to a Type III Incident Command fire. The fire is estimated to be in excess of 1,000 acres with zero containment. The fire has burned multiple powerline poles and has threatened structures at nearby ranches. High winds and Red Flag conditions continue to hamper containment efforts. Colorado Highway 13 remains closed in both directions.”
The area is under a Red Flag warning until 9 p.m. this evening and again Wednesday from 12-9 p.m. for gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels.
HT Staff
