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Hundreds of homes evacuated from Lake Christine Fire in Eagle County

Posted at 5:35 PM, Jul 04, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-04 19:35:55-04

A wildfire believed to be started by people shooting tracer rounds is threatening homes near Basalt in Eagle County Wednesday.

The fire reportedly started Tuesday night when firefighters from Basalt and Rural Fire Protection District were dispatched to the Lake Christine shooting range. The county is currently under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, which prohibits the use of firearms. 

According to 9News Denver, the suspects have reportedly been issued a court summons in lieu of arrests. 

The fire is currently burning 2,377 acres and has evacuated 500 homes, according to the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office. The fire is zero percent contained as of Wednesday evening.

The sheriff’s office says the following streets are under evacuation orders Sagewood, Pine Ridge Road, Original Lane, Lower Hillcrest Drive, Upper Hillcrest Drive, Silverado Drive, Little Pinon, Big Pinon, Cedar Drive, Hillside Drive, Promontory Lane, Ridge Road, Wild Spring Lane, Wilderness Road, and Homestead Drive. 

Streets under pre-evacuation orders include, East Sopris Drive, Sopris, Sopris Drive, Spur Lane, Tucker Lane, West Homestead Drive, Midland Ave, Longhorn, and Curtis.

CLICK HERE FOR AN INTERACTIVE MAP OF THE LAKE CHRISTINE FIRE, INCLUDING EVACUATION AREAS, CLOSURES, AND MORE.

An evacuation center has been set up at the High School in Basalt at 600 Southside Drive. Pets can be taken to the CARE Facility in Glenwood (Colorado Animal Rescue) at County Road 114, this is across from the CMC Campus in Glenwood.

Large animals can be evacuated across from the Basalt High School, residents with questions can call (970) 471-3763. The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office says power supplies in the upper Roaring Fork Valley are at risk due to the blaze. 

Residents in the area are asked to prepare for power loss up to 72 hours from Basalt upvalley to Aspen, this includes the communities of Old Snowmass, Aspen Village, Woody Creek, and Snowmass Village. 

A notification was sent out to residents on heavy smoke and ash seen in the Eagle/Gypsum area from the Lake Christine Fire. Residents are advised to stay indoors, and consider limited outdoor activity. 

There are no reported injuries at this time. 

(Photo Courtesy: Carbondale and Rural Fire Protection District)

(Photo Courtesy: Colorado State Patrol Eagle)