AN evacuation has been ordered as a wildfire rages in Colorado.
The fire is burning near the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, and is being referred to as the NCAR fire.
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The fire is currently 126 acres in size with “zero containment,” according to the Boulder Police Department.
Those affected by evacuation orders include 19,000 people and 8,000 homes.
A pre-evacuation order has been issued by the police department.
“Pre-evacuation warning has gone out to the following areas: West of Hwy. 93, north of Eldorado Canyon State Park, east side of Walker Ranch Open Space and south of Greenbriar Boulevard. Be ready to evacuate and keep alert.”
A Wireless Emergency Alert was sent to cell phones alerting residents in the area to evacuate.
“Message is to EVACUATE area due to fast moving wildfire,” a tweet from the police department reads in part.
The Boulder Police Department put out another tweet urging hikers in the area to clear out as well.
“If you are hiking or recreating near NCAR please EVACUATE NOW!
@boulderosmp are in the area evacuating hikers and all folks they find.”
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In a similar move, Eldorado Canyon State Park is also now closed due to the fire.
A tweet from Colorado Parks and Wildlife Northeast Region stated: “The park was at capacity today. It is not currently under mandatory evacuations, but Rangers are working to get visitors out of the park.”
The University of Colorado Boulder Police issued a tweet that their South Campus is being evacuated as well.
Strong winds in the area are prompting the evacuation, as officials fear the fire will spread.
Earlier today, the National Weather Service Denver/Boulder forecast office issued a tweet, stating that “dry and breezy conditions will bring near critical fire weather conditions.”
The Boulder Office of Emergency Management shared an update via Twitter regarding shelter for those forced to evacuate, stating the East Boulder Community Center, located at 5660 Sioux Drive, is open as an evacuation point.
“Evacuees are invited to go there for more information and resources. Household pets are welcome. Emergency personnel will determine shelter needs as the situation unfolds.”
In addition, the Boulder County Public Information Call Center is open for information on the fire by calling 303-413-7730 between 6 pm and 11 pm.
The fire was initially reported around 2pm on Saturday.
No injuries have been reported.
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