Colorado Fires: Pine Ridge Fire grows to 12,430 acres

9:33 PM, Jul 1, 2012   |    comments
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print
  • - A A A +

As of 7:30 a.m. on Friday, one lane of I-70 was open in both directions through De Beque Canyon.

According to officials, the 13,360-acre fire is in the path of 35 gas well pads. Operators have shut-in the wells so they can no longer produce oil and gas. 

At least 50 residents have been asked to leave their homes.

The evacuation area includes south of S 1/2 Road, west of 45.5 Road and east of I-70.

Bureau of Land Management spokesman Christopher Joyner says the fire is threatening several structures, including homes.

Pine Ridge Fire evacuees were told to take Highway 65 back to I-70. A shelter has been established at Palisade High School.

The fire was sparked by a lightning strike Wednesday afternoon.

The cost of the fire is estimated at $986,561.

(KUSA-TV © 2012 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)