Wind-driven wildfire grows to 30,000 acres in northeast Colorado; firefighters estimate 50 percent containment

High winds gusting to 60 mph drove a wildfire across more than 30,000 acres in northeastern Colorado on Monday, forcing the evacuation of three schools and threatening as many as 900 homes in rural Logan County. At least four structures, including three homes, were destroyed by fire, and several others were in danger, the Logan County Emergency Management Office said. By Monday evening, fire commanders on the scene estimated 50 percent containment. They planned to monitor hot spots throughout the night. The county’s emergency management office placed automated calls to 900 homes in Logan County, telling residents to be prepared to evacuate, office spokeswoman Marilee Johnson said. All of the homes are between County Road 49 and the Sedgwick County line to the east, she said...more