Winds, Dry Conditions Fuel Flames In Southern Colorado

PUEBLO, Colo. (CBS4/AP) — Fire crews are fighting wind-swept wildfires in southern Colorado as hurricane-force winds also kick up dust, topple trucks and close highways across the state.

People have been told to evacuate because of the fires burning in El Paso and Pueblo counties. In Pueblo County, five homes have been lost.

In El Paso County, 10 structures have been lost.

Pueblo County Sheriff's officials say the 117 Fire has prompted pre-evacuation orders for the Pueblo Chemical Agent Destruction Pilot Plant and from the El Paso County line to the 6000 block of Overton Road.

Four West Metro firefighters and one of their engines are on the way to help the 117 Fire.

Another fire named the Barnett Fire has been declared fully contained. It also forced evacuations and burned around 20 acres.

A deputy and a firefighter were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation. They are expected to be okay. Three other first responders were treated at the scene.

A wind gust of 83 mph was recorded at the National Wind Technology Center in Boulder.

The National Weather Service says the wind has created a plume of dust stretching over 300 miles across the eastern half of the state, from the San Luis Valley to the state's northeastern corner.

Wildfire Resources

- Visit CBSDenver.com's Living With Wildfire section.

Wildfire Photo Galleries

- See images from the most destructive wildfires (Black Forest, Waldo Canyon, High Park and Fourmile), the deadliest (Storm King) and largest wildfire (Hayman) in Colorado history.

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)