KIOWA COUNTY, Colo. — The communities of Brandon and Chivington in southeast Colorado were evacuated Friday afternoon for a fast-moving grass fire, which was contained later in the day.
Kiowa County said on Facebook about 3 p.m. Friday that anyone north of Highway 96 in the Chivington and Brandon areas should prepare to evacuate.
The Kiowa County Sheriff's Office said that the Kiowa County Community building at the fairgrounds in Eads was open for the residents who have had to evacuate.
About 6 p.m., the fire was contained and crews were mopping up, the Kiowa Independent reported.
Highway 96 reopened after being closed between County Road 57.3 and County Road 54 near Brandon in Kiowa County, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).
It was unclear how large the wildfire was. Kiowa County is a sparsely populated county in far eastern Colorado, north of Lamar and Las Animas.
Michael Buchanan, sheriff of neighboring Cheyenne County, said that Cheyenne Wells and Kit Carson provided mutual aid.
Evacuations ordered as fast-moving grass burns in Kiowa County
RELATED: 'Our risk is significant': State leaders say they're prepared for 'above average' fire season
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