Up to 50 homes were evacuated early Friday when a wildfire in southern Colorado more than doubled in size, to 250 acres.
The fire grew to 600 acres by Friday afternoon and is still not contained.
The Mason Fire, burning in rugged, inaccessible terrain in the San Isabel National Forest about 100 miles south of Denver, is also threatening a commercial building and 50 outbuildings, said Larry Helmerick, a spokesman for the Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center.
So far, no injuries were reported and no homes have been destroyed.
Helmerick did not know the total number of people who were evacuated.
Residents in the small Greenwood community in Custer County received reverse 911 calls at about 3 a.m., telling them to leave their homes. They were advised to take shelter at Trinity Ranch, which is north of Wetmore, Colo., on Highway 67 in Custer County.
Hot, dry conditions and an abundant amount of dry vegetation caused the fire to blow up from 100 acres overnight, said Helmerick. Flames crossed what authorities call the "trigger point" at about 3 a.m.
"It was moving just like in the daytime," he said.
More than 200 firefighters and three heavy air tankers, six single-engine tankers and three helicopters were attacking the blaze. Two fire engines units from Denver and Parker and four water tenders were also on hand.
Fire managers expected hot, dry weather to continue Friday.
The lightning-caused blaze was first reported Wednesday and has grown steadily.
The current cost to fight the Mason Fire is $150,000, said Helmerick. The fire is burning in timber, heavy brush, and mixed conifer.
In addition to the Mason Fire, there are two other wildfires being tracked right now in southern Colorado. The Naturita Fire in San Miguel County has burned more than 500 acres. It started last Wednesday.
The Rio Blanco fire southeast of Pagosa Springs has been burning for more than two weeks now and has burned about 1, 000 acres. That fire is being allowed to burn to thin out dead brush and trees not native to the area. The fire, which started June 23, was about 10 miles southeast of Pagosa Springs in 200 miles southwest of Denver.
So far this season, fire has consumed 3,800 acres, authorities said.
Many fire agencies are concerned warm weather during the next week could mean even more fires. There are a lot dry areas out there so people are asked to be careful.
Whether you live in an area prone to wildfire or not, something that's good to do this time of year is take inventory of everything in your home, insurance experts say.
It may seem like a lot of work right now but if those wildfires or tornados get close to your home, it will be worth it.
"Imagine having a wildfire hit your home. Closing your eyes, standing in the middle of a room trying to remember everything in that room and your whole house would be hard. If you have it documented and something does happen, you're going to be a lot happier with that claims settlement process," said Carole Walker with the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association.
Walker said you can use a camcorder to do a quick and easy inventory.
More Information: Copyright 2005 by TheDenverChannel.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
