Lewstone Fire: Evacuations Ordered As New Fire Flares Up Near Ted's Place
LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - Mandatory evacuations have been ordered near a fire that flared up Saturday afternoon in Larimer County. The Lewstone Fire was burning about 3 1/2 miles west of U.S. 287, between Highway 14 and Rist Canyon Road, near Ted's Place. Officials said residents in the evacuation area were in "immediate and imminent danger."
The fire quickly grew to about 60 acres and crews fought the flames from the air and ground.
Officials ordered a mandatory evacuation for residents north of the Rist Canyon Road, west of Whale Rock Road and east of the Davis Ranch Road.
"Evacuate the area immediately and as quickly as possible. Do not delay leaving to gather belongings or make efforts to protect your home or business," emergency officials stated.
The American Red Cross of Northern Colorado setup an evacuation center at Cache La Poudre Middle School at 3515 W County Road 54G in Laporte.
Residents needing shelter arrived at the evacuation center and were given a COVID-19 screening. If they did not have any symptoms, they were given a room at one of six nearby hotels as well as a debit card to buy food or any essentials they need while they are not at home.
Large animals evacuated were sent to The Ranch, smaller animals to the Humane Society.
The response Saturday afternoon and into the evening included two air tankers, two heavy helicopters, and 80 personnel on scene.
#LewstoneFire - air resources working the fire pic.twitter.com/UhaGOLs71L
— Larimer Sheriff (@LarimerSheriff) August 23, 2020
The sheriff's office said they do not know the cause of the fire yet.
This fire is about 75 miles east of the Cameron Peak Fire.