Colorado is currently in the grip of a fast growing wildfire, which has destroyed structures and caused the evacuation of more than 150 homes, according to official reports.
The fire broke before dawn Monday around 25 miles southwest of Pueblo, Custer County Emergency Management Office told reporters.
Authorities have yet to identify the cause of the fire. However, the protracted dry, warm weather could be the culprit, especially on windy days.
Smoke has enveloped the surrounding communities, which led authorities to issue health warnings.
"We have confirmed four structures lost — one home and three other structures were lost on the Junkins Park Loop near where we believe the origin of the fire was," Custer County Sheriff Shannon Byerly reported.
U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman Dawn Sanchez told reporters that 156 homes forced to evacuate under a mandatory notice, while families in 140 more were told to be prepared to leave their homes at first notice.
Towards the north, firefighters have succeeded in containing more than 50% of a 14 acre wildfire in Pike National Forest, northwest of Colorado Springs. No structures were reported damaged.
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