Wildfire burning near Twin Lakes, Colorado forces evacuations: See the map
Colorado firefighters are continuing to battle a wildfire that has ripped through hundreds of acres of land near a popular hiking trail, prompting evacuations.
The fire burning near Twin Lakes, about 120 miles southwest of Denver, was named the Interlaken fire and was 0% contained as of Wednesday morning.
The Lake County Sheriffs Office initially received a report at about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday of a fire at the Interlaken Historic District, about 6 miles west of the Twin Lakes. The Leadville Lake County Fire Rescue and St. Vincent Health Ambulance Service were dispatched to the scene to assist with the fire sheriff's deputies said.
The fire then spread to U.S. Forest Service territory and the organization took charge of the fire suppression, the sheriff's office said.
At about 5 p.m. Tuesday the fire engulfed an estimated 164 acres of land, according to firefighters.
By early Wednesday afternoon, the fire had burned more than 400 acres, according to the Wildland Fire Interagency Geospatial Service
Sheriff's deputies said the Interlaken Historic District buildings were not threatened by the fire.
USA TODAY reached out to the U.S. Forest Service for comment on the current status of the wildfire.
How do wildfires start?:The natural and artificial causes of wildfires.
Twin Lakes wildfire map
Areas that have issued a pre-evacuation notice
Lake County sheriff's deputies on Wednesday issued a pre-evacuation notice for the following areas:
- Lost Canyon Road
Lake County Government has issued an air quality warning
The Lake County Government also issued an air quality alert for those who are near the Twin Lakes area. The heavy smoke from the wildfire may cause a poor air quality and be harmful for those with respiratory issues.
The government encourages people in the affected area to:
- Stay inside of a closed area or building.
- Avoid venturing outside, if you can, until the air quality improves.
- Keep all entryways of your home closed to prevent the smoke from getting in.
- Use air purifiers for circulation and to improve the clean airflow into your home.
- Get medical attention immediately if you are experiencing any health issue, like trouble breathing, from the smoke.
Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter).
