A fast-moving fire near Parachute, Colorado, triggered mandatory evacuations and road closures, with residents fleeing under thick smoke and flames.

What began as a small fire outside the town limits quickly escalated Thursday, sending emergency crews scrambling and families packing up within minutes. As of late Thursday night, officials confirmed that U.S. Highway 6 had partially reopened — a sliver of relief after hours of panic and smoke-filled skies.

Chaos Unfolds in Minutes

Just after noon, what had been a normal summer day in Parachute took a sharp turn. Winds picked up. The smell of burning brush drifted into neighborhoods. Then came the sirens.

People didn’t have much time.

By 3 p.m., local authorities issued mandatory evacuations for areas in the fire’s path. Fire engines raced down narrow streets, and smoke blanketed the sky like an ugly storm cloud. It wasn’t long before roads started closing. Among the first: the critical stretch of Highway 6 connecting Parachute to Rulison.

“It moved fast. Really fast,” said Jaime R., a resident who had just returned from work before realizing she needed to leave again — this time with her dogs, kids, and a half-packed suitcase.

A Town on Edge

By evening, Parachute’s once-quiet streets echoed with the sounds of helicopters, radios, and emergency notifications.

Families crammed into community centers and friends’ living rooms. Some drove hours just to find a safe place to stay. One evacuee described the evacuation as “chaotic but organized,” crediting local fire crews and law enforcement for their quick response.

“I’ve lived here twenty years and never seen it this bad,” said Mike T., who stood on a ridge overlooking the valley, watching orange glow flicker in the distance. “You think you’re ready for this kind of thing, but you’re not.”

Roads Cut, Then Reopened — Sort Of

For a good part of the afternoon and evening, a major section of Highway 6 was off-limits. Authorities closed the road from mile-marker 77 to 83, effectively sealing off traffic between Parachute and Rulison.

Later that night, around 10:30 p.m., relief came in the form of an update: Highway 6 had reopened in both directions.

Still, drivers were warned to proceed with caution.

• Smoke still lingers near the roadway.

• Emergency crews and vehicles are active in the area.

• Visibility may drop without warning.

“This isn’t over,” one Colorado State Patrol officer told a passing motorist. “Just because the road is open doesn’t mean it’s safe like it used to be.”

Firefighting Conditions and Response Efforts

Firefighters battled the blaze under tough conditions — hot temperatures, gusty winds, and bone-dry brush that lit up like kindling.

Crews were called in from neighboring counties. Aerial support dumped water in cycles. Engines lined up near homes, ready to defend structures if the flames got too close. As of Thursday night, there was still no official word on containment.

“It’s exhausting, but you push through,” said one firefighter slumped near a truck, catching a few minutes of rest. “These folks are depending on us.”

Who Was Affected and How

Evacuations were ordered for multiple neighborhoods — especially those nearest the open land west of Parachute. While numbers are still being confirmed, early reports estimate at least 80 to 100 homes were under evacuation at one point.

Some had places to go. Others weren’t so lucky.

At the temporary shelter set up by the Red Cross at Grand Valley High School, volunteers handed out water, granola bars, and blankets.

“I didn’t think I’d spend my Thursday night in a gym with 40 strangers,” said Kelly M., sitting beside a cardboard box stuffed with clothes and an anxious Labrador retriever.

What Officials Are Saying

Authorities have yet to confirm how the fire started. Investigators are looking into all possibilities — including whether it might have been sparked by a discarded cigarette or fireworks, which are banned during the current fire restriction period.

Garfield County officials held a short press briefing Thursday evening, offering updates but acknowledging that full details are still emerging.

Here’s what we know so far:

One official called it “a close call,” noting how the wind could’ve shifted further into town if not for quick aerial drops.

What Comes Next?

Fire crews are expected to remain on site overnight and into the weekend. Winds remain a concern, and officials warned that embers can spark secondary fires miles away.

Evacuation orders were still in place for some areas as of early Friday morning, with updates promised by noon.

The town is anxious. People want to go home. But they also understand — better safe than sorry.

One Sentence, a Whole Story

“This is the part of Colorado people forget about,” muttered an elderly man watching the trucks roll by. “Until it’s on fire.”