A wildfire near Idaho Springs forced evacuations Sunday, according to the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s office.
The Miner’s Candle fire was estimated at 20 acres Sunday morning, and burned about five miles west of Idaho Springs, according to the Clear Creek County Office of Emergency Management. The blaze, which was 50% contained by late Sunday afternoon, forced evacuations along Miners Candle Road, Lamertine Road, Trail Creek Road and Sunny Skies trail, according to the sheriff’s office. Evacuation orders were expected to remain in place overnight.
About 20 to 25 homes were evacuated. The fire destroyed two structures, according to the sheriff’s office. There have been no reports of injuries or fatalities. Evacuees can go to the Clear Creek District building at 320 Highway 103 — the old middle school. Animals can be evacuated to the football field in Idaho Springs.
It was not immediately clear Sunday when the fire started, or how. At least six agencies and 35 firefighters were on scene. Gusty winds initially kept firefighters from bringing in air assets, but county officials said that the winds had calmed by mid-afternoon Sunday and that the fire was burning less actively.
A spokesman for the sheriff’s office did not return a request for comment.
Much of the state was under a red flag warning Sunday until 3 p.m., with the National Weather Service in Boulder warning of gusty winds and dry conditions that are conducive to rapid fire growth.
❗️❗️Clear Creek County is working an active wildland fire called the Miner's Candle Fire. Current evacuation areas are Miners Candle, Trail Creek, and Sunny Side. Evacuees can go to the Clear Creek District building at 320 Hwy 103 (old middle school).
— Clear Creek County OEM (@ClearCreekOEM) December 5, 2021
