The roar of 55 mph winds has been replaced by the quiet hum of mop-up crews today as firefighters successfully halt a terrifying inferno that tore through Elbert and Lincoln counties.
The frantic evacuation orders that sent residents scrambling for safety southwest of Limon have officially been lifted. What started as a spark around noon on Tuesday exploded into a monster estimated between 5,000 and 10,000 acres, fueled by hurricane-force gusts that turned the dried prairie into a tinderbox. While the smoke clears, the community is breathing a collective sigh of relief, though the charred landscape remains a stark reminder of how close disaster came to their doorsteps.
Winds Whip Inferno Across Plains
The chaos began just after 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, when a vegetation fire ignited near County Road 169 and Highway 24. Conditions were practically designed for disaster: the region was under a Red Flag Warning, humidity had plummeted to a bone-dry 12%, and relentless winds were gusting up to 55 mph.
Within minutes, the blaze—dubbed the County Road 169 Fire—was no longer just a fire; it was a wind-driven wall of flame.
Elbert County Undersheriff Dave Fisher described a chaotic scene where the fire refused to be tamed, stating it was “jumping roads right and left.” The flames leaped across Highway 181 and County Road 197, forcing first responders into a desperate race to stay ahead of the front.
- Start Time: ~12:00 p.m. Tuesday
- Location: Southwest of Limon (Elbert/Lincoln County line)
- Wind Speed: Sustained 35 mph, Gusts 55 mph
- Spread: Jumped multiple highways including Hwy 181
Fire crews from multiple agencies, including the Larkspur Fire Protection District, Aurora Fire Rescue, and units from Douglas County, rushed to the scene. Despite their heroic efforts, the gale-force winds grounded all firefighting aircraft on Tuesday, leaving ground crews to battle the beast without eyes in the sky.
Evacuations Lifted as Tide Turns
Fear gripped the rural community as the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office issued urgent evacuation orders for residents between County Road 2T and County Road 22. A shelter was rapidly established at 130 C Avenue in Limon, standing ready for families displaced by the smoke and flames.
But by 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, the tide had turned.
The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (CDFPC) announced that forward progress of the fire had been stopped. Thanks to the relentless work of over 15 engine crews and heavy equipment operators who bulldozed containment lines, the imminent threat to homes was neutralized.
“Forward progress near Highway 71 has been stopped.” — CDFPC Update.
Officials confirmed that while one home was in the immediate danger zone in Elbert County, no structures were lost—a statistic that borders on miraculous given the fire’s ferocity. As of Wednesday morning, February 18, all evacuation orders have been rescinded, allowing weary residents to return to their properties.
Residents Recount “Wall of Smoke”
For the families living in the fire’s path, Tuesday afternoon was a blur of adrenaline and anxiety. The sky turned an apocalyptic shade of orange and gray as smoke billowed visible for miles, darkening the horizon all the way to Limon.
Yvonne Darling, a local resident, was on her mail route when she spotted the danger. Her immediate thought was for her family and animals. “Now they’re telling us we gotta leave but our house is right over there,” her husband Doug told reporters, his voice thick with worry as they scrambled to ensure their horses and pets were safe.
Storm chaser Aaron Rigsby captured images of the billowing smoke, noting that flames appeared to be impacting structures. The uncertainty of not knowing if you have a home to return to is a trauma that lingers long after the smoke settles.
Thankfully, for the Darlings and their neighbors, the news today is good. They are returning not to ashes, but to a community that held the line.
Weather Shift Brings Hope
Nature, which was the enemy on Tuesday, is acting as an ally today.
After a day of critical fire weather, the forecast for Wednesday, February 18, shows a dramatic shift. Meteorologists predict cloudy skies and a chance of rain and snow for the Elbert County region. This moisture is a gift for the crews remaining on scene.
Current Firefighter Operations:
- Patrol: Monitoring the 10,000-acre perimeter.
- Mop-up: Extinguishing hot spots in the smoldering grass.
- Mapping: A Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) is scheduled to fly today to get an accurate size of the burn scar, now that winds have died down.
While the 5,000 to 10,000-acre estimate stands for now, today’s aerial mapping will provide the final numbers. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with teams likely scouring the origin point near County Road 169 this morning.
This near-miss serves as a potent reminder of the volatility of Colorado’s plains, where a spark and a breeze can instantly threaten lives. For now, Limon is safe, the trucks are cooling down, and the community is grateful for the quiet.
What are your thoughts on the rapid response by the local fire districts? Did you see the smoke from your area? Share your experiences in the comments below.
