Las Animas Brush Fire Continues into Second Day

Photo by John Robinson

The Bent County Fire has forced seven households to evacuate the area along the riverbed near the former Bent County Correctional Facility. As of 11am Friday, the fire had consumed approximately 300 acres of land.

The fire was first reported at about 5:45pm Thursday afternoon and spread through the evening. Firefighters were present until late that night and were allowed to leave, but were called back to the fire by 3am Friday morning as it began to spread, causing the need for more bodies to provide structure protection to the buildings in the vicinity.

The Hasty/McClave Volunteer Fire Department, along with a crew from the Cheraw Volunteer Fire Department, were called out for mutual aid with Las Animas Fire Department. The scope of the fire will be an issue given the Red Flag warning that has been posted for this afternoon for strong winds.  Bent County Emergency Manager Rick Stwalley expects gusty winds entering the area to fuel the flames.