BENT COUNTY — Update: 5/4/20 4:00 p.m.
The Bent County fire has been 100% contained, with over 275 acres of land burned.
An investigation is underway to find the cause of the fire.
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Update: 5/1/20 2:30 p.m.
The Bent County fire has been 75% contained, with over 260 acres of land burned.
Currently, John Martin Reservoir State Park has lifted their evacuation order, but the COVID-19 restrictions still remain in place.
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A wildfire that started three miles east of John Martin Reservoir State Park Thursday is now 50% contained, according to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Park officials said the fire has burned about 250 acres of land as of 10:15 a.m. Friday. The park is located in Bent County, just east of Las Animas.
The wildfire started burning around 6:30 p.m. just south of Highway 50 near County Road 30 and is threatening the small community of Caddoa.
The office of emergency management tells News5 that at least five homes were threatened, but saved by firefighters. Officials are asking anyone in the park to leave immediately as the fire is still moving.
Currently, more than 50 firefighters from multiple agencies are on the scene. Air support will be brought in for the morning if needed.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. We will update this story are more information becomes available.
