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Crews battle fast moving wildfire in Bent County, 0% contained

Evacuations were 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 Las Animas/Bent County Fire Protection District Facebook page.

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 critical 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, according to a social media update.

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 Denver Gazette news partner KOAA say smoke from the fire is visible from La Junta.

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.

Las Animas/Bent County Fire Protection District

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