Durango fire updates: How many people have been evacuated? What causes a wildfire?

FIREFIGHTERS faced a new challenge as strong winds developed while they continued to tackle the huge blaze sweeping across Durango, in Colorado. But how many people have been evacuated and what causes a wildfire?

By

Devastating wildfires have torn through US city Durango since June 1.

The blaze, known locally as the 416 fire, is now more than 7,000 acres in size. 

The wildfire remains at 10 percent contained. 

More than 600 firefighters battled extreme conditions including hot weather, explosive fire and rugged terrain on Friday.

Related articles

How many people have been evacuated?
Around 1,625 people have been evacuated from their homes since the blaze began, and 304 more homes were reportedly abandoned yesterday. 
Another fire started at around 4pm on Friday afternoon in Montezuma County, Colorado. 

This fire, which was estimated to be about 40 acres by the evening, started about two miles southeast of the Bear Creek trailhead and two miles north of Burro Mountain in the La Plata Mountains. 

Durango fire updates: How many people have been evacuated?REUTERS

The wildfire has torn across Durango, Colorado, over the last week

Durango fire updates: How many people have been evacuated?GETTY

A map shows where the fire has spread

As of Friday evening, no structures were threatened and no evacuation orders had been issued.

What causes a wildfire? 
The Durango blaze began at around 10am on Friday, fuelled by strong winds that spread the fire south. 
Rising temperatures and a prolonged drought in the area are believed to have increased the risk of the fire. 

Durango fire updates: How many people have been evacuated?REUTERS

Wildfires also spread through New Mexico over the last week too

A release from the La Plata County government last week said: “Wind and weather conditions on Saturday helped to limit the physical growth of the fire, with 3-5 mph winds and gusts up to 10 mph.”

Another larger blaze spread across northern New Mexico at the same time, destroying more than 30,000 acres last weekend. 

The fire has ravaged much of Ute Park in Colfax County, New Mexico, putting more than 300 properties at risk. 

Related articles