#JunkinsFire in Custer County Prompts Evacuations

The Junkins Fire burning predominately in Custer County has prompted evacuations in Custer and Pueblo Counties.  A Type I Incident Command Team assumed command of the Junkins Fire Wednesday morning.  260 personnel are fighting the blaze, including hand crews, air tankers and helicopters.  As of Wednesday afternoon, the fire has burned nearly 17,000 acres, and is now at 3% containment.  The incident commander expects to see more containment tomorrow.  The fire started when a power line was knocked down due to strong winds, landing on a barb wire fence.

Mandatory Evacuations:

Pueblo County:

• North Creek Road from County Line to Central
• Simonson Trail

Custer County:

• County Roads 358, 386, 387, 389
• Eagle Springs Ranch Subdivision
• HWY 165 from Mackenzie Junction mm1 to HWY 78; includes campgrounds and hunting camps
• HWY 96 from mm 20-23 (Mackenzie Junctoin to CR 390)
• Greenwood Rd (CR 389) & Babcock Hole (CR 388)

Pre-Evacuation Notices:

Pueblo County:

• Red Creek Ranch, areas of Savage Road and Vaughn
• Beulah Valley

Custer County

• CR 390 north to the Fremont County line.

Evacuation locations:

Westcliffe:  Valley Bible Fellowship, 116 Hermit Lane in SilvercliffeWetmore:  1st Southern Baptist Church 305E 3rd St (Florence)Pueblo: Palace of Agriculture at the state fairgrounds

In Custer County, large animals can be taken to the Custer County Fairgrounds and Draper Ranch.  In Pueblo, large animals can be taken to the fairgrounds at gate 6; small animals can be taken to the Pueblo Animal Services.

Road closure map from CDOT for #JunkinsFire pic.twitter.com/QnRQdahPtL

— @JunkinsFire (@junkinsfire) October 18, 2016

Officials can confirm 18 destroyed structures, including five homes.

The Pueblo City-County Health Department and the Custer County Public Health Agency have issued health advisories due to smoke levels and recommends those with respiratory issues should stay indoors.

Post last updated: 10/19/16, 8:24 PM