Jamestown evacuated after new fire breaks out; Cameron Peak nears 200,000 acres

Even in the worst of fire seasons — with two wildfires surpassing the largest fire in Colorado history — Saturday was a terrible day.

The Cameron Peak fire west of Fort Collins added to its record acreage, growing to nearly 200,000 acres and prompting more evacuations throughout northern Colorado.

In Boulder County, the town of Jamestown was evacuated after a new fire broke out near the Cal-Wood Education Center, according to a tweet from Boulder County Sheriff’s Office. The Cal-Wood Education Center is at 2282 County Road 87.

County Road 87, Heil Valley Ranch and Hall Ranch are also closed, the tweet reported, people are advised to avoid the area to allow first responders room to work.

The Colorado Department of Transportation advised travelers to avoid Boulder and Larimer counties because of road closures and the need to evacuate residents.

At least two other fires broke out near Craig and in Douglas County on a day that forecasters predicted the fire danger would be extreme because of strong winds and no possibility of precipitation. Both of those fires were less than half an acre and quickly controlled, officials said.

Middle Fork fire

North of Steamboat Springs, about 140 firefighters are battling the Middle Fork wildfire, which has been burning for more than a month. The fire grew more than 100 acres Friday and is at 19,885 acres, according to fire officials. No containment information is available.

East Troublesome fire

Multiple evacuation orders are in effect as fire crews work to contain the East Troublesome fire north of Hot Sulphur Springs, according to Inciweb.gov. Steady 20 mph winds pushed the fire east toward Highway 125, the website reported. The fire has burned 11,329 acres since it started Oct. 14. A federal grant to support the firefighting efforts was approved Saturday.

Wild Horse fire

Milder winds Saturday enabled Fort Carson fire crews to keep the Wild Horse fire at 70% containment. The fire, which ignited Oct. 12 along Highway 115, has held at 670 acres, according to a Fort Carson spokesman.

Smoke drifting south

The National Weather Service in Pueblo said southern Colorado will see an influx of wildfire smoke as northeast winds behind a cold front spread smoke from the northern Colorado wildfires into the region. People with medical conditions and sensitivity to smoke are advised to limit time outdoors.