Strong winds spread fires on the eastern plains - Crews work to contain - No injuries reported

High winds and Red Flag Warnings were issued throughout the region on Tuesday, as multiple fires were reported across Northeast Colorado and the tri-state area.

In Lincoln and Elbert Counties, the County Road 169 Fire started around noon and was burning in short grass prairie areas and cultivated fields, with westerly gusts up to 55 mph and sustained winds up to 35mph. Highway 71 was shut down near Limon, as gusts as high as 73mph were reported. As of 5 pm, forward progress near Hwy 71 had been stopped, and crews were shifting to patrol and mop up. Crews stayed on scene through the night. The fire was contained, as it was estimated that about 5,000 acres burned, fortunately no homes or buildings were reported to be damaged, and no injuries were reported either.

In a press release posted from the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office - There were several fire agencies, and local area farmers working a large vegetation fire that originated in Weld County on Tuesday. The fire was wind-driven and has crossed into Morgan County in the area south of Wiggins and north of Hoyt. (North of Hwy 52 and south of Morgan County Road H. East of Morgan County Road 1). This occurred during midday.

Morgan County Emergency Managers issued an emergency evacuation alert for the areas involved, as the Wiggins Community Church has offered their church for evacuees. 

The fire was 50% contained in a quick manner and fully contained later in the afternoon. About 350 acres were burned in this fire, with only one building, a tool shed, reported damaged.