A wildfire burning in southwest Pueblo County grew by more than 100 acres in two hours Monday afternoon, prompting mandatory evacuations, according to fire officials.
The Oakridge fire was burning across 170 acres as of 3:25 p.m., Beulah Fire Protection officials said in a post on Facebook.
Flames were first reported Saturday morning northwest of Beulah, according to fire officials. The wildfire grew from 5 acres at 1:32 p.m. Monday to 170 acres within two hours.
The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office issued a mandatory evacuation order for Middle Creek Canyon Road in Beulah because of the fire.
Residents on Vine Mesa, Cascade Avenue, Pine Avenue and Beulah Highlands Road are on pre-evacuation and should be ready to evacuate if needed, according to the agency.
This is a developing story and may be updated.