SIMLA, Colo. — A fire that temporarily forced the entire town of Simla to evacuate is 96% contained, according to the Elizabeth Fire Protection District.
The evacuation order came just before 5 p.m. from the Elbert County Office of Emergency Management.
FIRE REPORTED SOUTH OF SIMLA
— Elbert County OEM (@ElbertCountyOEM) March 30, 2023
There is currently a large wildfire burning south of Simla threatening approximately 500-700 acres. Evacuation of the town of Simla is in effect. There is a shelter located at the Elbert County Fairgrounds at 95 Ute Ave, Kiowa, CO. pic.twitter.com/DFYzbYXH6x
Simla is located 48.7 miles northeast of Colorado Springs. It had a population of 598 in 2021, according to the United States Census Bureau.
In the initial tweet, the OEM said the fire, which has been named the 125 Fire, is roughly 500 to 700 acres.
Around 6:10 p.m., the Elizabeth Fire Protection District announced that the evacuation order was lifted.
The town of Simla evacuation order has been lifted. #125fire
— Elizabeth Fire (@Elizabeth_Fire) March 31, 2023
Just after 8 p.m., the fire district said the fire was 96% contained. Crews are still on-scene putting out hotspots.
Firefights were able to protect a house thanks to their hard work.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
