Hundreds of buildings evacuated as fire rages in Colorado

PUEBLO, Colo. — A wind-whipped wildfire destroyed several structures and forced hundreds of evacuations near a small mountain community in southern Colorado, authorities said Monday.

More than 500 buildings were evacuated throughout the day and into the evening, affecting about 1,250 residents of Beulah, which is southwest of Pueblo. And more residents were warned to be ready to leave if necessary.

No injuries were reported.

The fire, which has destroyed at least seven structures and burned about 4 square miles, started on top of Beulah Hill on the east side of the community Monday afternoon and jumped Colorado Highway 78, The Pueblo Chieftain reported (https://goo.gl/MWZcrk ).