Evacuation orders issued for wildfire east of San Luis, Colorado

Evacuation orders were issued Friday afternoon for residents near a wildfire burning east of San Luis, Colorado.

The fire sparked around 1 p.m. east of the small, unincorporated community of Chama.  As of 5 p.m., the fire has grown to 117 acres, according to the Costilla County Office of Emergency Management. They said that there is 0% containment.

At 4:30 p.m., the Costilla County OEM issued an evacuation order for residents near the Chama Canyon Fire.

"An imminent threat to life and property exists, and individuals MUST evacuate in accordance with the instructions of local officials. Mandatory Evacuation Order issued for all residents on County Rd L.7 and N.2 in Chama and extending north 3 miles to Malcolm Rd in the Poso," the agency said.

They urged evacuating residents to head towards San Luis. Updates on evacuation zones and routes can be found here.

The Brush Hollow State Wildlife area near Penrose is closed to motorized boats as helicopters draw water to support firefighting efforts. Colorado Parks and Wildlife said the area remains open to hand-launched boats and recreation, but the boat ramp is closed.