LIVE: Evacuations underway for Colorado wildfire outside Estes Park

A heard of elk was caught on video running away from the fire in the area of Estes Park.

Rangers closed parts of the Roosevelt National Forest due to the flames.

Wind gusts of more than 40 mph are helping to drive the flames in the mountainous community. Winds are expected to remain elevated until a cold front pushes through the region later in the evening.

Larimer County, CO

Several areas along State Highway 36 are under voluntary and mandatory evacuations as the Kruger Rock Fire continues to grow in Larimer County, CO.

Latest evacuation zones: https://www.larimer.org/kruger-rock-fire

Here are the locations where evacuees can go:

LifeBridge Church 10345 Ute Hwy, Longmont - Available for overnight sheltering. No reservation needed, just show up.

Estes Park Event Center 1125 Rooftop Way

Small Animals may be evacuated to the Larimer Humane Society, 3501 E. 71st Street, Loveland.

Large animals can be taken to The Ranch, 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland.

Overnight sheltering is available at the YMCA at 2515 Tunnel Road, Estes. Small pets are also welcome.

Estes Park resident John Laughlin shares video of the fire from his home as mandatory evacuations are taking place.  

He said the fire is "still very active" but appears to be moving east. hHowever, if the wind shifts it could come back toward Laughlin.

"We're on edge," he said.

The Kruger Rock Fire is now approximately 100 acres with zero containment, according to the Larimer County Sheriff's Office.

Evacuations have been ordered in the area surrounding the Kruger Rock Fire outside Estes Park, Colorado due to the growing wildfire.

The FOX Weather Forecast for wind gusts shows that wind speeds will continue to stay strong throughout the afternoon. Estes Park could even see wind gusts upwards of 60 mph at times.

Due to the strong winds, crews are unable to fight the fire by air.

LifeBridge Church located at 10345 Ute Highway in Longmont has been opened as an evacuation site.

Colorado Highway 36 is closed at Mall Road in Estes Park and at Apple Valley Road, west of Lyons

Fire officials have ordered an upgrade to mandatory evacuations for the area of Meadowdale and south to the Boulder County line.

A joint information center has been opened for residents to call for the latest information.

Video from KDVR in Denver shows the Kruger Rock Fire burning on the mountainside.

Winds up to 40 mph around Estes Park and low relativity humidity are prime conditions for wildfires and make fighting the fire more difficult.

As the fire continues to grow, emergency officials say structures are being threatened. Luckily, no damage has been reported so far.

Mandatory Evacuations have been ordered for people in the area of Little Valley due to the wildfire. People in the area have been told to evacuate immediately.

WEATHER NEWS

Estes Park wildfire continues to grow, evacuation zones expanded

A growing wildfire just outside Estes Park, Colorado has prompted emergency officials in the area to issue mandatory and voluntary evacuations.

An evacuation site has been opened for residents, and that’s located at the Estes Park Events Center at 1125 Rooftop Way.

The Kruger Rock Fire outside Estes Park is at 75 acres. Crews on the ground are working to contain the blaze but are unable to use helicopters or airplanes to assist because of the excessive winds in the area.