An active wildfire is burning north of Buena Vista in the area of Mountain View Estates and the Morrison Creek subdivision.
A mandatory evacuation has been initiated for the entire Mountain View Estates area. Pre-evacuation notices have been sent in a 5-mile radius.
Officials are calling it the Mountain View Fire. The fire was reported shortly after 1pm yesterday and has now burned about 60-acres.
Helicopters are dropping water on the blaze. Ground crews are working to surround the fire. Two homes have been lost to the fire. 50 homes are within the evacuation zone.
Heavy smoke can be seen in the area. Travel on Highway 24 between Pine Creek and Mountain View Drive is not advised.
Electrical power utilities have intentionally de-energized power lines for safety.
If you are evacuating from the fire and need a place for animals, Ark Valley Humane Society will accept small animals. Large animals can be taken to the Buena Vista Rodeo Grounds.
Personnel from Chaffee County Fire Protection District, Salida Fire Department, the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, as well as state and federal resources, are helping in fighting the fire.
The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office has declared today another No Burn Day due to limited firefighting resources. No burning outdoors of any kind permitted.
