LA JUNTA — A "large" fire caused the closure of State Highway 194 near the Otero/Bent county line Saturday afternoon. The fire, named the "Bent's Fort Fire," started east of La Junta in Otero County.
Around 5:30 p.m. Saturday, the Otero County Sheriff's Office reported that the fire had grown to approximately 1,167 acres. They said the fire had crossed into Bent County and ground and air crews were continuing to fight it.
At approximately 5:40 p.m., the Bent County Office of Emergency Management said on Facebook that Bent County residents between the Bent and Otero County line and County Road 9 need to evacuate towards Las Animas.
Later Saturday evening, the La Junta Police Dept. told News 5 that all evacuation orders had been lifted.
Just before 4 a.m. Sunday, the Otero County Sheriff's Office reported that Highway 50 between Las Animas and La Junta had to be closed due to a flare up in the fire. Highway 194 had been reopened and became the alternate route. Several hours later the Sheriff's Office said both highways had been reopened.
Later Sunday, the Sheriff's Office reported that the fire had grown to 1,500 acres but was at 95% containment. Crews will remain in the area overnight and into Monday to monitor hot spots.
The video seen below was shot a few hours after the fire ignited and began to spread.
Massive Fire East of La junta The “Bent’s Fort Fire” Fire units from all most of southeast Colorado responding. No size up as of yet. pic.twitter.com/nXn0iMwiv0
— Otero County Sheriff - Colorado (@OteroSheriff) April 11, 2020
