(Las Animas, CO) -- It seems to happen in the spring. High winds, dry conditions and wildfires. Sunday afternoon Las Animas firefighters called in mutual aid to help with a large wildfire on a windy day that started south of town off highway 101, about a half a mile south of the Boggsville historic site.
Upon arrival, we noticed large visible flames near a home, however, a Bent County resident who knew the history on the home told us it was vacant. The fire traveled along the railroad tracks as the winds whipped in from the west. A BNSF truck arrived on scene. There was no word on whether or not trains would be stopped but it isn't unusual to see that happen when winds are high and there's a fire near the tracks.
Fire departments from Hasty-McClave, Wiley, Prowers county and Lamar were among those who came to help. And from the west, La Junta, Rocky Ford, Manzanola responded to the call for help. Often in small communities this is a normal practice and agencies rely on each other in these times.
With all hands on deck, there's no active investigation until the fire is contained. As of this moment, we don't know how many acres the fire has burned. Firefighters on scene were concerned it could burn as far east at the John Martin Dam.
Here are some photos we took as we arrived soon after seeing the smoke.
We will update this story as we can. Sunday's Red Flag fire warning for Southeast Colorado includes Bent County but also, Otero, Crowley, Baca and Prowers.
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