(PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo.) — As of Tuesday morning, June 25, according to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Oak Ridge Fire is at 0% containment and remains at 275 acres. Additional resources will be arriving on Tuesday to assist in the fight.
Fire perimeter as of 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.
A little after 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, The Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District reported it was investigating a small fire in Pueblo County, one mile from the Custer County line. At the time it was confirmed as a single downed tree that was burning, however from Saturday, June 23 into Monday, June 24 the fire grew to 275 acres downslope to the east and south of the point of origin.
The fire is in a steep, remote area and air tanker and helicopter water drops continue to take place over the fire. Additional crews and air support will also arrive to assist on Tuesday. According to the USFS, crews are working to evaluate and assess the fire to determine where they can go to safely protect structures, infrastructure, and watershed areas.
According to the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), a mandatory evacuation is under effect for Middle Creek Canyon Road along with pre-evacuations for Cascade Avenue, Pine Avenue, Beulah Highland Road, and Vine Mesa.
A new Facebook page has been created for the Oak Ridge Fire to provide updates and information, including evacuation shelter details. Volunteers with the American Red Cross are now assisting at the evacuation center, located at the St. Charles Mesa Recreation Center at 1650 Cooper Place in Pueblo.
PCSO said the Community Animal Response Team is setting up a shelter for livestock only at 4 Bar S, located at 6675 CO-78 in Pueblo. Anyone in need of a truck or trailer to transport animals should contact Beth at (719) 251-0245.
USFS said the cause of the fire was determined to be lightning.
FOX21 News will have a crew in the area and will provide updates in this article as we learn more.
