(WTVR) Two fires rage wildly out West, in Colorado and in New Mexico, have prompted hundreds of evacuations.
The fire in southern New Mexico that began Friday is now listed at 40 square miles, and it has destroyed at least 20 structures.
This current New Mexico fire is much closer to homes than the Whitewater-Baldy fire, the largest fire so far in the state's history, taking 380 square miles, reported CBS.
CNN reported that the Whitewater-Baldy fire scorched an area more than one and a half times bigger than Chicago.
Authorities have cautioned children, adults with heart disease and other sensitive groups to stay indoors and avoid the smoke.
CBS reported that the blaze burning in northern Colorado on Sunday has grown to 22 square mile, within about 24 hours, and destroyed or damaged 18 structures. That fire is called the High Park Fire and it is raging west of Fort Collins.
KDVR reports that over 1,600 emergency notifications have been issued for residents and businesses within a five to 15-mile radius of the 14,000 acre fire.
Authorities say 18 structures have been destroyed or damaged, according to the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office
No containment lines have been built around the latest Colorado or New Mexico fires.
We will continue to bring you the latest on these national stories as they develop.
