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Evacuation orders have been lifted for Custer County and Pueblo County residents near Wetmore, with the exception of those inside the fire perimeter.

Highway 96 and Highway 67 are now open… Click to Read More and see additional updates

Evacuation orders have been lifted for Custer County and Pueblo County residents near Wetmore, with the exception of those inside the fire perimeter.

Highway 96 and Highway 67 are now open, however vehicles will not be allowed to stop south of Wetmore where the damage is visible from the road.

There are now about 300 firefighters working to put the fire out. It is still estimated at 2,100 acres but that number hasn't grown since yesterday. Containment is estimated at 65 percent.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Highway 67 is now open from Florence to Wetmore. That road was closed when the Wetmore fire started.

Highway 96 is also open west of Pueblo to Wetmore.

Evacuation orders are still in effect for residents in extreme western Pueblo County west of Siloam Road. Greenwood and Wetmore are also still under evacuation orders.

Highway 67 from Florence to Wetmore is still closed today from County Road 15 to the South. A sheriff's deputy says residents are only being allowed to enter that area with an escorted law enforcement personnel, for items like prescriptions.

The fire near Wetmore is now 15 percent contained as of 4 p.m. on October 24. The affected area has been confirmed at 2100 acres. Cold temperatures and slower winds allowed fire fighters to make some progress.

Many Pueblo County residents east of Siloam Road may return home, but Custer County evacuations stay in effect. Road closures on Highway 96 between Lake Pueblo and McKenzie Junction also remain in effect.

Currently, 16 different agencies along with aerial support are attempting to further contain the fire south and east of Highway 96. A Type 2 team is on its way and will take over fire control at 6 p.m. Wednesday night. Fire teams are designated by severity with the lower numbers indicating higher danger. The goal of these crews continues to be structure protection and monitoring hot spots within the fire.

There will be recovery workshops in Wetmore on Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Governor John Hickenlooper signed a disaster declaration today for Custer County. The order frees about $3.5 million for fire suppression and recovery efforts related to the Wetmore fire.

The money will come from the Disaster Emergency Fund. State law does not allow people who have lost homes and property to get reimbursement from that fund.

Thirty-two animals are being held at the Colorado State Fairgrounds for families evacuated by the Wetmore fire. There are 21 horses, 4 mules, 4 goats and 1 llama. Around 3:15 this afternoon a family came to pick up their two horses. We're told the evacuation for their neighborhood was lifted and they are returning home.

Pueblo Animal Services is providing shelter for animals from families who were evacuated from the Wetmore fire. So far the shelter is only holding animals for one family, including 6 dogs, 4 cats and 2 birds. Call 544-3005 for assistance.

The Wetmore fire has now affected an area up to 2200 acres, damaging up to 14 homes while remaining at zero percent containment. Over 160 firefighters and air support are working to create a containment line.

386 people remain evacuated from the surrounding area.

The Custer County Sheriff's Office believe a sparking power line, pulled down from the hurricane-like winds started the fire in the early afternoon on October 23.

Winds are considerably slower than yesterday, blowing from the south and southwest at about 13 miles per hour. The temperatures are also about 15 degrees cooler right now, however, both wind speeds and temperatures are expected to rise throughout the day.

The weather is then expected to take a turn on Thursday into Friday. Temperatures are supposed to drop and snow could be seen on the front range and in the fire area.

Mail for residents of Wetmore is being routed to the Florence Post Office at 121 N. Pikes Peak Avenue in Florence.

The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Care and Share Food Bank for southern Colorado is collecting donations to help those affected by the Wetmore Fire.

On Wednesday there's a food drive at the Pueblo warehouse at 100 Greenhorn Lane. That's from 8 am until 4 pm. They'll also take donations after the food drive Wednesday, as well as at their Colorado Springs office - 2605 Preamble Point.

Specific items they're asking for include:
-Canned meals
-Boxed meals
-Canned meat
-Spaghetti sauce and noodles
-Peanut butter and jelly

The Colorado Springs Fire Department has committed two trucks and seven fire fighters to help with the Wetmore Fire. Both crews are wildland brush units. CSFD is on standby in case more crews are needed.

The Pueblo Cooperative Care Center is offering free food and clothing to those displaced by the Wetmore fire.

The center is located at 326 W. 8th Street and is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The center will also fill one prescription for free.

Firefighters are starting day two of their battle against the Wetmore wildfire. Compared to a day ago, conditions are much better for stopping the flames. Heavy winds dropped to almost nothing as the sun came up.

Fire bosses hope to bring in some air support while weather permits. Wind of expected to pick up in the afternoon.

There are close to one hundred thirty firefighters on the ground. It is combined resources from sixteen agencies.

Large Animals are being referred to Pathfinder Park in Canon City , Cross Roads Event Center in Penrose Co. or the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo.

Contact Eskridge Veterinary at 719-240-6880 for help with domestic animals.

A fire burning in Custer and Pueblo counties has grown to 1,742 acres. That's the latest estimate from the U.S. Forest Service, which did overnight mapping on the Wetmore Fire.

350-380 people are displaced under evacuation orders that remain in effect this morning.

12 structures are destroyed.

The fire is 0% contained.

Fire investigators believe the flames sparked in a structure fire, but an exact cause has not been determined. Another update is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. News 5 will provide updates on air and online.

Photographer John Wark took to the air during the height of the Wetmore Wildfire to take this picture. At least five structures have burned, but that number may be as high as 12. We'll have to wait for daylight and a calmer fire to get confirmation.

The Wetmore fire that started near County Road 390 and Highway 96 Tuesday afternoon around 1:30 p.m. is confirmed to have affected over 1000 acres so far in the Wetmore and Greenwood Village areas.

It is likely a structure caught fire earlier in the day, and the high winds of 50 miles per hour and above quickly spread the fire east in a long, narrow path. The fire is still reported to be 0 percent contained.

Over 15 different fire crews are on the scene, and more have been ordered to help. Southern Colorado is in a prepositioned area for Type 1 fire help, so crews hope to get a Type 1 helicopter which can hold 1000 gallons of water in the air as soon as winds die down.

All evacuations are still in order.

Emergency first responders would like to remind all evacuees and victims of the Wetmore fire to hold on to any receipts of costs they may have incurred due to the fire. Whether the receipts be from restaurants because you had to eat out rather than at home or for hotel rooms, keep the receipts so you can be reimbursed after the event.

Evacuation orders remain in effect in Greenwood and Wetmore along with 4 miles into Pueblo County and parts of Custer County.

American Red Cross is asking evacuees to register on "Safe & Well" website. This will allow family and friends know that you are safe. Click here for link.

Pueblo County Emergency Services activated the Community Animal Response Team (CART) this afternoon and Pueblo Animal Services is standing by to accept small companion animals displaced by the Wetmore Fire evacuations. Pueblo Animal Services is able to take in dogs, cats, and other small domesticated animals at its shelter. Those evacuees in need of shelter for their pets should call Pueblo Animal Services for additional information. Staff members will be standing by throughout the night. Click here for link.

Pueblo Animal Services
4600 Eagleridge Place
Pueblo, CO 81008
719.544.3005

A fire is burning near Wetmore and is being pushed southeast by stong winds. The fire started near County Road 390 and Highway 96. Over 300 homes have been evacuated in Pueblo County and even more in Custer County.

All access roads to Wetmore have been closed, and US Forest Service representative, Ralph Bellah, told KOAA that residents should not expect to get back into town or other areas where roads have been blocked tonight. Emergency officials are waiting until morning when further assessment can be made.

The affected area has reached up to 700 acres. As many as a dozen structures have been damaged. Luckily, winds are beginning to die down as the sun sets and the temperatures reduce.

15 fire crews plus 2 helicopters are currently on the scene, including a Type 3 incident team. The different types are categorized by severity, the lower the number, the higher the danger.

An air quality advistory has been issued for the Pueblo area from smoke and ash.

Evacuation shelters have been set up at First Southern Baptist Church at 303 E. 3rd Street in Florence and the Church of the Nazarene at 84 Stanford in Pueblo.

The Pueblo City-County Health Department cautions people about poor air quality that may cause breathing difficulties, especially for people susceptible to respiratory conditions.

"In general, if you can see or smell smoke, it is recommended that you avoid outdoor physical activities," stated Dr. Christine Nevin-Woods, Public Health Director at the Pueblo City-County Health Department. She added, "If visibility is decreased in your neighborhood to less than five miles, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy."

Children, Elderly, and People with Respiratory Conditions
• If you can see or smell smoke, children, elderly, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions should stay inside with the windows and doors closed.
• If you need to run a cooling or heating system keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. If you do not have an air conditioner and it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, try to get involved in activities that offer air conditioning, such as public places.
• Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugars.
• Children are more likely to be affected by health threats from smoke because their airways are still developing and because they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults. Children also are more likely to be active outdoors.

• Older adults are more likely to be affected by smoke, as they have higher levels of heart or lung diseases than younger people.
• Follow your doctor's advice about medicines and about your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

Healthy Individuals
• When smoke levels are high, even healthy people may experience coughing, a scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, stinging eyes, and a runny nose. If you can see or smell smoke, you should limit outdoor physical activities and stay indoors if at all possible.
•Wildfire smoke contains pollutants that can be harmful to health. Particles from smoke tend to be very small and can therefore be inhaled deep into the lung and may represent a greater health concern than larger particles. Even in healthy people, this can cause temporary reductions in lung function and pulmonary inflammation. This can also affect the body's immune system.

Pueblo, CO: The Pueblo County residents that have been asked to evacuate from their homes are able to go to a Red Cross reception Center at 84 Stanford, Church of the Nazarene. The shelter is only for evacuees of the Wetmore Fire.

Animals needing boarding can be taken to the Colorado State Fairgrounds. Please bring food for your animal if possible.

Red Cross has established their Safe-N-Well website so citizens from both Custer and Pueblo County that have been evacuated can register as a way to let family and friends know they are safe.

Please DO NOT bring donations of any sort to the reception center. If you have things you'd like to donate it is important that the coordination for these items goes through the American Red Cross 719 561-2614.

The fire has now crossed the Custer/Pueblo County Line. While this evacuation is a precautionary measure, citizens that have been asked to evacuate need to do so. The winds are very strong and unpredictable; the fire may become a threat to Pueblo County lives and property with no additional notice.

The Colorado State Fair will be be working in coordination with the Red Cross for any animals that may need to be evacuated due to the fire in Wetmore. The number for the local Red Cross is 719-632-3563. Please contact them regarding where to take your animals first or if you would like to help.

They will coordinate the emergency effort.

Colorado Springs, Colo. - In response to the Wetmore Fire, Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado, will be conducting a one-day food drive on Wednesday, October 24 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at our Pueblo warehouse located at 100 Greenhorn Drive.

All food that is collected will directly help Care and Share partner agencies serving those who have been affected by the Wetmore fire.

Care and Share Food Bank is currently seeking the following items from our community:

- Canned meals (i.e. chili and soup)

- Boxed meals (i.e. macaroni and cheese and tuna helper)

- Canned meat (i.e. tuna or chicken)

- Spaghetti sauce and noodles

- Peanut butter and Jelly

"Care and Share Food Bank is very happy to be able to give the community a way to help our neighbors," says Lynne Telford, CEO.

Care and Share Food Bank is the largest non-profit hunger relief agency in southern Colorado. Acting as a distribution hub, Care and Share works with a network of approximately 300 non-profit partners to reach 100,000 people across 31 counties in southern Colorado. Last year, the food bank distributed more than 18 million pounds of food and grocery items. For more information about how Care and Share Food Bank is ending hunger in southern Colorado and how you can help, please contact us at 719-528-1247 or visit www.careandshare.org.

Volunteers with the American Red Cross are opening emergency shelters in Florence and Pueblo to aid the people who have been evacuated by the fire burning near Wetmore.

A trailer with food and other supplies is en route to the shelter in Florence which is located in an auxiliary gymnasium at the First Southern Baptist Church at 303 E. 3rd Street. A Red Broad reception center is also being opened at the Church of the Nazarene, 84 Stanford in Pueblo.

The Canon City Rodeo Grounds have been designated as an evacuation point for large animals. Red Cross volunteers are working to establish a shelter for pets and small animals.

Average wind speeds near Wetmore are hovering close to 15 miles per hour, with spikes all the way to 24 miles per hour. High winds blowing ash have also created an air quality health advisory in the affected areas.

308 homes have been evacuated in Pueblo County. Evacuation notices have gone out along Highways 96, 67, and 167. Additional evacuations have been initiated 4 miles inside Pueblo County from N Creek Rd east to Siloam Rd. Custer County is also initiating evacuations.

We have learned that at least 12 structures have been lost. The burn area has increased to between 600 and 700 acres.

A fire that started near County Road 390 and Highway 96 in Wetmore covers 30-40 acres. High winds in the area make ash from the fire visible as far away as Pueblo. There are currently 12 fire engines on the scene. Due to evacuations in the area, a Red Cross shelter has been set up in the First Southern Baptist Church on 303 E 3rd Street in Florence, CO.

A fire south of Wetmore burning near the Greenwood Village subdivision is threatening up to 50 different homes. The fire continues to move southwest, and smoke is billowing over Highway 96 and County Road 390.

Heavy smoke is billowing near Wetmore from a fire. The smoke is obscuring visibility along Highway 96.

Evacuations in Wetmore are possible. Winds are blowing out of the west and north west.

Highway 96 westbound is closed in Wetmore.

We have a crew on the way and will bring you more as it becomes available.