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.