Agricultural Burn Escapes Control, Scorches 230 Acres Near Las Animas

A routine agricultural burn on Bent County Road DD.5 turned dangerous Monday afternoon when it spread beyond its intended boundaries, consuming approximately 230 acres of agricultural land and threatening to jump Highway 101 and push toward nearby homes.

Firefighters were dispatched at approximately 2:42 p.m. to the 11000 block of County Road DD.5, roughly 3.5 miles south of Las Animas. Upon arrival, crews found the fire moving through agricultural fields driven by dry conditions and wind, already tracking toward the highway.

"Crews immediately began suppression efforts and established containment lines to prevent the fire from crossing the roadway and spreading to nearby properties," the Bent County Sheriff's Office said.

By 3:37 p.m., authorities had shut down Highway 101 at the cemetery turn. As of the last update at 5:02 p.m. Monday, the fire had burned about 230 acres and crews were still working to fully contain it, with suppression and mop-up operations underway. As of Tuesday morning, there had been no word on whether the highway had reopened.

The Bent County Sheriff's Office, the Las Animas Volunteer Fire Department, and Colorado State fire crews all responded, handling both fire suppression and traffic control. Residents near the area were asked to stay clear to allow emergency personnel unobstructed access to the scene.

No injuries, structural damage, or livestock losses were reported in available information. The cause and permitting status of the original agricultural burn had not been released as of Tuesday morning.