1300 Evacuated As 416 Fire Near Durango Grows

DURANGO, CO -- A fast-moving wildfire near Durango grew to more than 16,000 acres Sunday, prompting the evacuation of more than 1,300 homes.

The blaze, dubbed the 416 Fire, was 10 percent contained by morning with the help of more than 800 personnel, officials said.

However, officials warned of critical fire weather conditions continuing today with a red flag warning in place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The fire erupted June 1 San Juan National Forest, and steadily grew over the past few days, officials said.

An evacuation center and shelter was opened at Escalante Middle School at 141 Baker Lane in Durango. Livestock have been evacuated to the La Plata County Fairgrounds at 2500 Main Avenue.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

--Photo by Renee Schiavone