Lightning sparks 1,200-acre 'Allred' wildfire

MOFFAT COUNTY - Officials say lightning is responsible for starting a fire on Monday which grew to 1,200 acres within five hours.

Northwest Colorado Fire Management Unit says the "Allred Fire," as it's been called, started around 4 p.m., 20 miles west of Maybell in the western part of the county. The fire is on the east end of Douglas Mountain, officials say.

After first burning ponderosa pines, fire crews say the flames moved on to pinon and juniper trees, burning intensely hot and moving eastward. Officials say the warm, windy conditions and dry vegetation are increasing the chances the fire will continue to grow.

At least seven agencies have responded to fight the blaze, which is burning mainly on Bureau of Land Management public land. Authorities are using four fire engines, a water tender, two helicopters, three single engine air tankers and five smoke jumpers in hopes of getting an upper hand on the fire.

Officials say no structures were threatened and no injuries were immediately reported.