SALIDA, Colo. (AP) — More than 260 firefighters and several aircraft are tackling a central Colorado wildfire that has forced the evacuation of about 130 homes.
A Type 1 incident command team _ assigned to the largest fires _ took charge Thursday of efforts to contain the 6-square-mile (15-square-kilometer) wildfire burning 9 miles (15 kilometers) south of Salida.
No structures have been damaged by the lightning-caused fire, which has been burning in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area since Sept. 8.
It had been allowed to burn beetle-killed trees until high winds this week spread flames north toward Salida.
Calmer winds Thursday are helping firefighters build containment lines along the north boundary.
State officials have issued a heavy smoke advisory for the region.
