DURANGO -- While cooler weather and higher humidities help firefighters battling the blaze south of Denver, another fire in southwestern Colorado is threatening several homes.

Residents in 100 homes of three subdivisions were evacuated about 9 p.m. Thursday after the Missionary Ridge fire -- 10 miles north of Durango -- flared up.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, changing winds and temperatures caused the convection column to lay down, which sent a line of fire racing toward the Aspen Trails, Los Ranchitos, and Trew Creek subdivisions.

Residents were immediately evacuated and a Red Cross shelter was set up at Bayfield High School.

Firefighters were able to protect the homes Thursday night but are bracing for another tough day.

So far, 470 members of the fire crews have been able to hold the fire on the west side of the Florida River.

Growth on Friday is expected to be to the north and northeast. Winds are once again expected to come from the southwest at 6 to 12 mph, which will send the fire back on to area already burned and disperse smoke to the north and northeast, fire officials said.

Temperatures are expected to be close to 90 degrees and humidity in the single digits.

The fire has now scorched more than 12,000 acres and cost an estimated $1.4 million.

A Type I management team will take over this weekend.

The fire, which started Sunday, has destroyed a historic cabin.