LAKE COUNTY, Colo. — A wildfire, burning near Twin Mounds below Mount Massive on U.S. Forest Service land, prompted mandatory evacuations on Sunday. The Willow Fire, west of Leadville, ignited around 4 p.m. Sunday and has since grown to 1,066 acres with 0% containment.
- Hear more from people in the area when the wildfire prompted evacuations, in the video player below.
Evacuations are in place in the following areas:
- County Road 4
- County Road 9
- County Road 9D
- County Road 5A
- County Road 48
- County Road 99
- All trails from the Fish Hatchery
- All campgrounds around Turquoise Lake
- All trails up to treeline
- Colorado Trail sections in this area
- Hagerman Pass
Displaced residents may report to the gym at Colorado Mountain College, at 901 U.S. Highway 24 in Leadville. There, evacuees can be credentialed, which will allow you to re-enter evacuated areas once it's deemed safe. There is not yet a timeline for re-entry. You're asked to bring ID and/or proof of address.
Local, state, and federal resources are on scene or on their way to assist with the fire fight. Additional air support was also requested to boost suppression efforts. Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued a disaster declaration Monday morning and mobilized the state national guard to assist in the fire fight.
There have been no reports of injuries or structural loss at this time. Information on the origin and cause has not yet been released.
Evacuees with small animals can reach out to the Leadville/Lake County Animal Shelter at 719-486-8591. The shelter is located at 428 E. 12th St.
Large animals can be taken to the Buena Vista Rodeo Grounds on Gregg Drive in Buena Vista. There are water, hoses, buckets and hay available. Call 719-839-1933 for more information.
Temporary f light restrictions are also in place over the wildfire area. Drone or aircraft launches are prohibited.
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