Updated 8:10 p.m. -- The wildfire in Breckenridge has scorched about 80 acres and forced the evacuation of 463 homes near the Colorado mountain town of Breckenridge, The Associated Press reports.
The fire has not burned any structures.
Original story continues below:
Smoke and flames from a wildfire in the Gold Hill area of Breckenridge can be seen across the Blue River Valley.
Big flames leaping off trees from this Peak 2 fire and the plume of smoke is soaring! @9NEWS pic.twitter.com/mfs1sfcW6A
Peak 7 area residents are being evacuated to Summit Middle School, and authorities say that all of Breckenridge should be prepared to evacuate.
The Associated Press says the fire started midday Wednesday and is burning beetle-killed trees in the White River National Forest.
More from the Summit Daily:
Eight smokejumpers and a local firefighting crew are scene. An air attack is underway as well, with a tanker dropping flame retardant and a helicopter conducting bucket drops.
Images via Twitter:
Breckenridge is on high alert right now as the #Peak2Fire continues to spread. Peak 7 on mandatory evac & entire town is on pre-evac. pic.twitter.com/oBj8m6O0DC
We’re posting updates and new photos we receive of the growing #Peak2Fire here: https://t.co/yE7FTkVo55 pic.twitter.com/MFbof0l6qg
Summit County officials say firefighters from Leadville, Vail and Park County are assisting local firefighters.
Grand County firefighters are on the way. Four more hotshot crews and a 21-person ground crew have been ordered. A federal incident management team is coming in to manage the fire.
Police say Highway 9, the main road from I-70 south to Breckenridge, and through town up to Hoosier Pass, remains open.
