STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. — A once contained wildfire burning near Steamboat Springs has flared up and prompted more evacuations in the area.
The Silver Creek Fire, burning since mid-July, jumped established containment lines this week, forcing an immediate evacuation order to be issued Friday.
The order is in place for all of Old Park and Gore Lakes, affecting nearly 200 homes, due to the increase in fire activity and a change of winds, according to a Grand County Sheriff’s Office release.
Authorities are shutting down Highway 134 at 7 p.m. Friday and are encouraging residents to get their belongings and leave at an orderly pace.
The Silver Creek Fire is at 9,472 acres as of Friday. The blaze is currently 53 percent contained.