MONTROSE COUNTY, Colo. – A new wildfire in western Colorado burning near Nucla is 1,750 acres and not contained, according to the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office.
The fire, called the Bucktail Fire, is six miles northeast of Nucla and moving northeast. Aircraft responded to the scene as the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office said “smoke is visible from Norwood, but there is no threat to San Miguel County, no structures in danger.”
"The fire grew from being measured by the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control Multi-Mission Aircraft at 111 acres at approximately 1:15 p.m., to 164 acres by 3 p.m. By 8 p.m., it was approximately 1750 acres," fire managers posted on Inciweb.
They added there were no evacuations planned.
Wildfire
Multiple wildfires rage in Colorado amid hot, dry conditions. Here's the latest
Sheriff’s officials urged people to avoid calling police dispatchers to report the smoke. Additionally, officials ask people to avoid flying drones as to not hamper firefighting efforts.
"Please avoid 25 Mesa Road and yield to emergency vehicles," said the Montrose County Sheriff's Office.
An air quality health advisory has been issued due to the wildfire smoke for Montrose Couty and includes Nucla, Naturita and West Vancorum.
The alert is in effect through at least 9 a.m. Friday due to the Bucktail Wildfire in southern Montrose County.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Wildfires are now a year-round threat in Colorado. Denver7 is committed to covering their impact and the people working to find solutions to the threat.