Wildfires break out southeast of Steamboat Springs in Colorado high country

Two wildfires sparked on Sunday in Colorado's high country, south and southeast of Steamboat Springs. Mandatory evacuation orders are in place near one of the fires.

Just before 12:30 p.m., Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue stated that a wildfire is burning on Rabbit Ears Pass. Steamboat Radio reports that the smoke is clearly visible from the city.

The SSFR says the fire is burning on U.S. Forest Service land, which is overseeing the response to the incident. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the fire is approximately 20 acres in size.

A second fire later started south of Stagecoach State Park. Routt County issued a pre-evacuation notice for people in the areas surrounding and east of the fire, which was quickly upgraded to a mandatory evacuation order. Those in the area should leave immediately.

Routt County officials warned residents to "LEAVE NOW! Do not delay to pack belongings."

A pre-evacuation notice has been issued for the areas north of the fire to the Stagecoach Reservoir.

An evacuation center has been set up at Soroco High School, which is located at 305 Grand Avenue in Oak Creek. County officials said the center is currently for information only and it is not serving as an overnight shelter. They encouraged people with pets to contact the Routt County Humane Society for help sheltering their animals.

Stage 1 fire restrictions have been in effect for the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests & Thunder Basin National Grassland since June 19.

These are emerging fires; information on their cause has not yet been determined.