This is the Denver7 breaking and developing news blog. Throughout the day, this story will be updated with both minor and large breaking news events that our readers care about. Check back as we continue to update this story.
Story: High winds, poor visibility close several highways in Colorado; power outages reported
3:01 p.m.: Officials are urging semis traveling with empty trailers to seek shelter. Strong winds have knocked over semis along I-25.
2:52 p.m.: Strong winds are downing trees, knocking out power and closing roads in several different areas on the Front Range. The Boulder County Sheriff's Office tweeted that they are responding to multiple reports of road hazards caused by the wind.
The high wind is causing power outages and downed trees around the county. We are hearing reports of trees blocking roads and traffic lights out. Please use extra caution when you are out and about today.
— BoulderCountySheriff (@BldrCOSheriff) April 17, 2018
2:41 p.m.: CDOT has shut down the southbound lanes of I-25 near the Firestone exit after strong winds knocked over a semi. Gusts are also causing poor visibility in the area.
Story: Several homes burned, others evacuated as fires break out in Douglas County
12:21 p.m.: A high wind restriction is now in place on I-70 from Denver all the way to Kansas. High-profile vehicle, light vehicles and those towing empty trailers are prohibited due to the risk of blowing over.
12:16 p.m.: High winds will continue to be an issue throughout the day -- Eastbound I-70 is closed near Limon because a semi was blown over.
EB I-70 Closed 12 W of Limon MM 348 b/c ablown over semi;No est time of reopening
— CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) April 17, 2018
11:40 a.m.: Pre-evacuation notices have gone out for addresses from 0000 to 3000 Highway 67 due to the Rampart 67 Fire near Sedalia.
The pre-evacuation zone for the #Rampart67Fire is located west of Pine Creek Rd and east of Rainbow Creek Rd. Large animals can be housed the Douglas County Fair Grounds. @douglasoem @douglascountyco pic.twitter.com/UyWq6dxa7q
— DC Sheriff (@dcsheriff) April 17, 2018
11:07 a.m.: Crews are now mopping up the Tomah Road fire and pre-evacuation orders have been lifted.
#TomahFire is in mop up and the pre-evacuation order has been lifted for Keene Ranch. @Larkspurfire @douglascountyco @douglasoem
— DC Sheriff (@dcsheriff) April 17, 2018
10:58 a.m.: Highway 67 is closed southwest of Sedalia because of another fire. Plan on taking an alternate route.
CO 67 closed SW of Sedalia @ Rampart Range Rd b/c wildfire;Use alt rte
— CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) April 17, 2018
10:46 a.m.: Fire danger is very high due to dry, warm and windy conditions -- wind gusts are over 40 mph in some areas.
Winds continue to pick up! Gusts now over 40mph in Parker and at @DENAirport - it will be windy all day long! #cowx @DenverChannel pic.twitter.com/3F2UtPPEAf
— lisa hidalgo (@LisaDenver7) April 17, 2018
Blowing dust in the San Luis Valley! Visibility is down to a quarter mile across southern Colorado. #cowx @DenverChannel pic.twitter.com/sEik5omRZU
— lisa hidalgo (@LisaDenver7) April 17, 2018
10:32 a.m.: South Metro Fire is on the scene of a fire that has engulfed three homes in Castle Rock:
Multiple units from South Metro are assisting Castle Rock with 3 homes burning on N. Foxtail Drive. Immediate surrounding homes evacuated, no injuries reported. Firefighters contending with high winds. Updates to follow. pic.twitter.com/AIP3zSb0i3
— SouthMetroFireRescue (@SouthMetroPIO) April 17, 2018
10:19 a.m.: Pre-evacuation notices have gone out to residents in the Keene Ranch area of Douglas County due to a fire burning Tomah Road and Dawson Butte. The Douglas County Fairgrounds will open to take in large animals.
There has been a pre-evacuation notice sent out to the area of Keene Ranch in Douglas County due to the #TomahFire. The Douglas County Fairgrounds is opening up to accept large animals.
— DC Sheriff (@dcsheriff) April 17, 2018
