A rapidly spreading Buena Vista fire north of town has officials scrambling. The fire ignited just after 1 p.m. in a large structure near Mountain View Estates, then broke into surrounding wildland—prompting mandatory evacuations for residents in the subdivision and pre‑evacuation notices within a five‑mile radius. Ember‑driven flames and heavy smoke have become impossible to ignore from U.S. 24 and surrounding areas.
Evacuations in Full Effect Around Buena Vista Fire
Evacuations went into effect swiftly:
- Mandatory for Mountain View Estates and Morrison Creek subdivision.
- Pre‑evacuation issued for properties within about five miles of the fire zone.
- All evacuees redirected to the Chaffee County Public Safety Complex at 200 Steele Drive.
Local sheriff’s deputies, firefighters, and county officials are coordinating entry and exit points as the situation evolves.
Fire Behavior, Weather, and Safety Measures
By 2 p.m., the blaze had charred roughly 20 acres, coupled with a structure fire at its origin. Authorities declared a “no‑burn” day for all of unincorporated Chaffee County due to critical fire weather conditions—hot, dry, and windy—mandating a complete suspension of open flames, grilling, or fireworks.
To reduce risk, utility crews intentionally shut down power lines near the fire to avoid fueling the blaze further. Officials have warned that full containment remains elusive, and air operations and ground crews are preparing for an extended response effort.
Community Impact & Closures
- Local baseball and softball games scheduled for the evening were swiftly canceled.
- Some cell and land‑line services have faltered in the Hilltop and Chalk Creek Canyon areas due to precautionary power cuts.
- Nearby Black Canyon of the Gunnison witnesses an unrelated but concurrent wildfire, escalating regional firefighting demands.
Local Instagram alerts have amplified the message: “fire danger is real” across Buena Vista, Salida, and Poncha Springs, urging residents to exercise extreme caution.
Key Developments at a Glance
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| ~1 p.m. | Blaze starts in structure north of town, spreads into wildland |
| 1:50 p.m. | Mandatory evacuations for Mountain View Estates |
| 2 p.m. | Fire grows to ~20 acres; heavy smoke reported |
| ~3 p.m. | Pre‑evacuation alerts extend to 5‑mile perimeter |
| Afternoon | County declares no‑burn day and shuts down local power |
This table highlights the incident’s trajectory in clear, easy‑to‑follow checkpoints.
Fire Response & Coordination Efforts
Multiple agencies are on site, including:
- Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office
- Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control
- Local volunteer fire departments
- Utility crews monitoring power systems
Evacuation shelters are ready to support those displaced. Fire crews are establishing control lines and using aerial support to restrict the burn. While containment is still the work-in-progress, response teams are aggressively tackling the flames.
What Residents Should Know Now
- Evacuation orders are active—do not return unless officially cleared.
- For pre‑evacuation areas, stay alert and be ready to move at a moment’s notice.
- Observe the no‑burn prohibition: no campfires, grilling, or smoking outdoors.
- Monitor local alerts via county social media and official press releases.
- Report any suspicious smoke or fire sightings immediately.
Community Preparedness Tips
- Keep vehicles fueled and packed with essentials (meds, documents, water).
- Charge devices—phones, power banks, laptops.
- Pets and livestock: Ensure they can be moved quickly.
- Emergency kits should be placed accessibly near exits.
- Stay aware of changing wind conditions or red‑flag warnings that may intensify fire behavior.
Key Point Summary
- Fire and structural blaze ignited north of Buena Vista after 1 p.m.
- Mandatory and pre‑evacuation orders are in place.
- Fire consumed approx. 20 acres; no‑burn restrictions widespread.
- Power was shut off in affected zones.
- Multiple agencies are leading firefighting efforts.
- Community urged to remain vigilant and ready to evacuate.
The unfolding Buena Vista fire incident is evolving hourly. Watch for updates from Chaffee County authorities and local emergency feeds. Community support and vigilance are vital right now—please adhere to official warnings and help ensure your neighbors do, too.
Take action now to protect yourself and your loved ones. Stay informed, obey road closures, and prepare evacuation kits tonight.