Elephant Butte Fire Burns Near Evergreen

A wildfire burning in the Evergreen area of Jefferson County has prompted the evacuation of about 1,000 homes. 

The fire is burning in the area of Upper Bear Creek Road and Overlook Trail.  The Elephant Butte Fire is estimated to be about 50 acres with zero containment. 

An air tanker and three helicopters are working on the fire along with ground crews. More air tankers are on the way, fire officials said. More than 100 firefighters, from various agencies, are fighting the fire and protecting structures. At about 7 p.m. rain fell in the area.

The fire is burning up Elephant Butte, west of Evergreen, with flames running through trees and rocky outcrops. At a 6:30 p.m. briefing, fire officials said no homes had burned and there are no reports of injuries.

Dan R