All evacuation notices lifted for Paws Wildfire in northwest Pueblo

PUEBLO, Colorado — A wildfire burning in northwest Pueblo near the Arkansas River grew to 18 acres in size Sunday afternoon forcing the evacuation of PAWS for Life and pre-evacuation notices for nearby homes.

As of 6:00pm, the fire has burned up to 25 acres and is 75% contained. No buildings have been impacted by the fire, thanks to quick work by crews. All evacuation notices have been lifted.

The fire was spreading within brush and trees on both sides of the Arkansas River near W 11th St. The Pueblo Police Department has also evacuated City Park and Aberdeen Park.

Pueblo Fire wants everyone to avoid the area so crews can fight the fire. “Some houses were threatened initially. Poor conditions expected to worsen,” the department wrote in a tweet.

The staff at the PAWS For Life animal shelter evacuated all animals from their facility at 800 N. Pueblo Boulevard to the Pueblo State Fairgrounds. The team and the animals are now back and safe in their location.

Smoke from the fire could be seen from as far away as Lake Pueblo. Winds in the area are around 38 mph out of the west.

The Red Cross briefly opened an evacuation center open at Goodnight Elementary (624 Windy Way) for anyone impacted by the fire. AS of 6:45pm that facility is now closed.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 8pm to include Pueblo,, the San Luis Valley, Fremont County, Teller County, El Paso County, eastern Huerfano County, central and eastern Las Animas County, Otero County, Kiowa County, Crowley County, and Bent County. Humidity will drop below 10% and winds will gust frequently 30-40 mph, and as high as 55 mph.

This is a developing story. News 5 has a crew headed to the area. Check back for updates.

Recieve emergency notifications for your neighborhood in Pueblo using the Emergency Notification Opt-In Program.

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