This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

PUEBLO, Colo. — Authorities have issued an evacuation order due to a rapidly growing grass fire near Pueblo.

According to the Pueblo County Sheriff, an evacuation order is in place for residences in the area of Highway 96 west from McCarthy Boulevard to Pueblo Reservoir Access Road.

Shortly after 3:45 p.m. Friday, the sheriff’s office said the Nature Center had been evacuated and the Raptor Center was in the process of being evacuated.

The fire, also known as the Stonemoor Fire, began midday Friday.

By just before 4:30 p.m., the fire had grown to 137 acres. It is zero percent contained.

Officials have closed Highway 96 between mile markers 51 and 53.