Highland Lakes wildfire in Colorado destroys 1 home, forces evacuation of 700 homes: See map

One house was destroyed and 700 others have been evacuated due to the Highland Lakes wildfire in Divide, Colorado, according to officials. Strong gusts of wind could make the fire grow.

The wildfire has consumed 98 acres of land in Teller County, around 100 miles southwest of Denver, and is 0% contained, according to the Teller County Sheriff’s Office.

The flames threaten hundreds of homes worth a combined $300,000,000, Jason Mikesell, the Teller County Sherriff, said at a press briefing Monday, which recorded by multiple news outlets. One home was already destroyed.

Multiple fire units are on the scene, said Mikesell.

The fire was discovered on Monday, at 6:30 p.m., according to USA TODAY’s data.

What caused the fire?

The cause of the fire is under investigation, said Mikesell at another press briefing on Tuesday.

“I do have investigators actually searching the area,” he said.

Weather could cause wildfire to spread

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