Saturday, June 9, 2012

High Park Fire in Larimer County, Colorado, grows from 50 acres to 200 in half hour - @denverpost

High Park Fire seen from east side of Horsetooth Reservoir on Saturday, June 9, 2012. (Photo by Poudre Fire Authority)

Fire crews responded earlier this morning to a Larimer County fire that has rapidly grown from 50 acres to almost 200 acres in just a half hour, according to John Schulz, public information officer for the Larimer County Sheriff's Office.

Shulz said 36 homes west of Loveland and Fort Collins are being evacuated because of the High Park Fire, including homes on Paradise Park Road, Moose Horn Lane, Magic Lane and Spencer Mountain Road.

Because of high temperatures, dry conditions and wind, a red flag warning had been issued for the area by the National Weather Service. Red flag warnings indicate that fires will most likely spread quickly in these conditions.

The fire's cause is unknown at this time and it is believed to be on both private and Forest Service land, according to a Sheriff's Office news release.

"There are structures in the area, but no confirmation that they've been damaged," Shulz said, adding that no injuries have been reported either.

A single-engine air tanker, two helicopters and an air attack command plan have been ordered to the scene to help combat the blaze.

The evacuation center is located at Cache La Poudre Middle School in Laporte.

Erin Udell: 303-954-1223 or eudell@denverpost.com