NewsLocal News

Actions

Wildfire prompts mine evacuation, road closures in Moffat County

streeterfire4-moffatcoso.jpg
Posted at 3:30 PM, Jul 07, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-08 17:51:26-04

MOFFAT COUNTY, Colo. — A wildfire burning near Meeker in Moffat County has grown to 1,600 acres and has prompted road closures and evacuations in the area.

The Streeter Fire, as it's being called, was zero percent contained as of Wednesday afternoon. It's burning off Colorado Highway 13 at milepost 62, just north of Meeker.

The fire has prompted the evacuation of the Colowyo Coal mine between Meeker and Craig, according to the Moffat County Sheriff's Office. Highway 13 was also closed in the area for about seven hours.

The Streeter Fire has burned multiple power line poles and has threatened structures at nearby ranches.

Dry and windy conditions are hampering fire suppression efforts, the sheriff's office said.

Multiple agencies have resources on scene, including the mobilization of three hotshot crews and an air tanker crew. Other air resources are already on scene.

The fire was spotted Tuesday morning. It's not clear what started the blaze.