CONEJOS COUNTY, Colo. — A wildfire that prompted evacuations in Conejos County Saturday is now 50% contained, and evacuated residents are allowed to return home.
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) said the Menkhaven Fire, which was measured at 242 acres Monday, is burning about seven miles northwest of Fox Creek in Conejos County. The fire was first reported around 3:15 p.m. Saturday. It is 50% contained as of Monday evening, fire officials said.
The Conejos County sheriff said Tuesday that the fire was caused by sparks from a tree on a powerline.
Evacuations were in effect for all homes north of Highway 17 between Horca and Fox Creek. Those evacuations were lifted at 9 p.m. Monday.
Highway 17 also reopened to two-way traffic Monday evening. Fire officials said the highway will be reduced to one-lane traffic in the fire area from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. for the next few days.
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