Evacuations ordered for wildfire burning in Colorado's Clear Creek County near Dumont and I-70
Evacuations were ordered on Friday afternoon for a wildfire burning at the Western Inn Trailer Court near Dumont in Clear Creek County. The evacuation orders were issued just before 3 p.m. for the so-called West Empire Fire.
The wildfire is burning between Lawson and Empire on the frontage road north of I-70 in the 2600 block of CR-308.
Update 3:50 pm: Helicopter conducting water dumps. Fire now on ridge. Evergreen Fire, US Forest Service, Georgetown PD on scene. CDOT and CPW are assisting with traffic control. CR-308 is closed in the area; Stanley Rd (south of I-70 is open). New video posted here. pic.twitter.com/ktL3wM3nvr
— Clear Creek County, Colorado (@ClearCreekCoGov) July 19, 2024
All residences in that area were ordered to evacuate. An alert notification was sent to those who needed to evacuate.
West Empire Fire
— CSP Golden (@csp_golden) July 19, 2024
Westbound US 40 from westbound I-70 closed (exit 232).
US 40 accessible via eastbound I-70.
Detour
I-70 to exit 228 Georgetown
Left into Georgetown, around roundabout to eastbound Cty Rd 306. pic.twitter.com/Dn24SDCAPR
Westbound US 40- Berthoud Pass from westbound I-70 was closed but US 40 was accessible via eastbound I-70.
What started the fire is being investigated.
Clear Creek County has issued an evacuation order due to a Wildland Fire for Western Inn Trailer Court near Lawson/Dumont. If it is an emergency, call 9-1-1. If you have additional information, please call 303-980-7300.
— Jeffcom911co (@jeffcom911co) July 19, 2024
Shortly after those evacuations were ordered, Jeffcom911co tweeted that there was another wildfire burning a few miles away, but was unrelated to the fire near Dumont.
Foothills Fire and Genesee Fire are working an additional fire located at I-70 E at MM 256. The fire is now contained, but smoke may still be visible from the highway. This is separate from the fire located in Clear Creek County.
— Jeffcom911co (@jeffcom911co) July 19, 2024