Fast-moving vegetation fire closes I-70 in Kit Carson County - destroys railroad bridge near Flagler

A fast-moving wildfire near Flagler on Wednesday afternoon, around 4 pm (MDT), prompted mandatory evacuation orders for the area, as the flames grew out of control. The orders were issued for County Road 1, from east of County Road 4 to west of Flagler, as well as from I-70 north to Road AA.

According to CDOT, the vegetation fire shutdown I-70 in Kit Carson County, with the westbound lanes closed between CO 59 near Seibert and Exit 395 – Flagler between MM 395 & 405.

The Colorado State Patrol advised alternate routes around the fire for public safety.

The flames destroyed a railroad bridge near Flagler, as the fire was brought under control in the early evening hours on Wednesday.

I-70 is open again, and the fire is contained, with no exact cause known at this time. There is no estimate as to when the damaged railroad bridge will be repaired.

Wildfire near Flagler, from Wednesday, April 22. - Photo courtesy of the Colorado State Patrol