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MONTE VISTA, Colo. (KDVR) — Structures were destroyed and nearly 100 homes were evacuated Wednesday after an “out-of-control” fire in Monte Vista.

Firefighters responded to the fire around 12:15 p.m. found the fire already “out of control” and approaching structures, officials said at a news conference around 6 p.m.

Multiple agencies responded as firefighters “struggled at times” to work the fire. Nearly 100 homes were evacuated and about 15 were destroyed.

The fire was estimated at 17 acres, fire officials said around 6:30 p.m. The fire was not contained, but officials said it was under control. By 7 p.m., the evacuation zone was reduced to fewer than 30 homes.

  • Structures were destroyed and nearly 100 homes were evacuated Wednesday, April 20, 2022, after an “out-of-control” fire in Monte Vista. (KDVR)
  • Structures were destroyed and nearly 100 homes were evacuated Wednesday, April 20, 2022, after an “out-of-control” fire in Monte Vista. (KDVR)
  • Structures were destroyed and nearly 100 homes were evacuated Wednesday, April 20, 2022, after an “out-of-control” fire in Monte Vista. (KDVR)
  • Structures were destroyed and nearly 100 homes were evacuated Wednesday, April 20, 2022, after an “out-of-control” fire in Monte Vista. (KDVR)
  • Structures were destroyed and nearly 100 homes were evacuated Wednesday, April 20, 2022, after an “out-of-control” fire in Monte Vista. (KDVR)
  • Structures were destroyed and nearly 100 homes were evacuated Wednesday, April 20, 2022, after an “out-of-control” fire in Monte Vista. (KDVR)
  • Monte Vista Fire
    Structures were destroyed and nearly 100 homes were evacuated Wednesday, April 20, 2022, after an “out-of-control” fire in Monte Vista. (Photo credit: Eric Flores)

An evacuation point was set up at Ski Hi complex in town. Emergency housing was set up at Church of the Nazarene at 228 Madison Street. The Red Cross is helping to support evacuees.

A helicopter was being used to drop water on the fire. Monte Vista asked residents not to run their sprinklers or water their yards.

Monte Vista Police, Monte Vista Fire, Del Norte Fire and Alamosa Police were also on scene, according to the sheriff’s office. Additional resources were called in, as the Colorado Division of Fire Protection has taken command.

First responders asked people to stay clear of the area as they work to snuff the fire out.

SkyFOX got an aerial view of the damage. See that video on FOX31 NOW.