Hwy 13 Fire threatens home, radio towers
Strong winds continue to fuel the fire
A wildfire just north of Rifle on Rio Blanco Hill is growing rapidly and is now well over 500 acres, according to fire officials.
As of Thursday morning, more than 75 firefighters are attacking the blaze. A helicopter and an additional aircraft are assisting. Larger, specialized brush trucks are also tending to the wildfire.
Around 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, crews said the fire was threatening a home and some radio towers in the area.
And according to Chief Mike Morgan, with CO River Fire Rescue, the fire is likely human caused.
No evacuations have been ordered as of Thursday afternoon.
Chief Morgan said fire crews received word of the blaze just before 1:00 p.m. Wednesday.
Highway 13 was closed in both directions for about two hours; the fire managed to jump the road. According to Cdot officials, it's back open.
When firefighters arrived on scene near mile marker 15, the fire was already at three to five acres. With sustained wind gusts of 25 to 40 mph, Chief Morgan says the fire continues to grow rapidly.
Continue to follow KJCT News 8, we'll deliver the most up-to-date information as soon as it becomes available.
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