UPDATE: Oak Ridge Fire now 495 acres, local, state and federal agencies assisting

A full recording of the press conference held on Tuesday, June 25 at 2:30 p.m. can be viewed in the video player above.

UPDATE: TUESDAY 6/25/2024 2:45 p.m.

(PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo.) — The Oak Ridge Fire burning in Pueblo County has now spread to 495 acres, according to a press conference held on Tuesday afternoon, June 25.

All evacuation orders remain the same, and local, state, and federal resources are all assisting in putting the fire out. With Tuesday’s weather conditions similar to Monday’s, crews expect to see potentially significant fire growth, and community members should be prepared to leave quickly if needed.

According to the update on Tuesday, no donations are needed at this time, and if community members want to help, crews said that mitigation around their homes will help fire crews the most.

UPDATE: Officials to host press conference on Oak Ridge Fire

TUESDAY 6/25/2024 1:56 p.m.

A media briefing on the Oak Ridge Fire will be held on Tuesday, June 25 at 2:30 p.m., and representatives from the U.S. Forest Service, Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, and Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District will provide updates.

The press conference was announced on the Oak Ridge Fire Facebook page, along with resources for those in the area regarding evacuation and road closure information, which will be posted here .

FOX21 will attend the media briefing and a live stream will be provided at the top of this article once it begins.

UPDATE: Fire causes closure of ballot dropbox

TUESDAY 6/25/2024 1:14 p.m.

Pueblo County reports that the Beulah General Store ballot dropbox has been closed as of 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, due to the Oak Ridge Fire.

Beulah voters can use the Lamb Branch Library dropbox at 2525 South Pueblo Boulevard in Pueblo. A full list of dropbox locations can be found at Polling Places | Pueblo County .

ORIGINAL STORY: Additional resources arrive to fight Oak Ridge Fire

TUESDAY 6/25/2024 9:23 a.m.

As of Tuesday morning, June 25, according to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Oak Ridge Fire is at 0% containment and remains at 275 acres. Additional resources will be arriving on Tuesday to assist in the fight.

Fire perimeter as of 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.

A little after 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, The Beulah Fire Protection and Ambulance District reported it was investigating a small fire in Pueblo County, one mile from the Custer County line. At the time it was confirmed as a single downed tree that was burning, however from Saturday, June 23 into Monday, June 24 the fire grew to 275 acres downslope to the east and south of the point of origin.

The fire is in a steep, remote area and air tanker and helicopter water drops continue to take place over the fire. Additional crews and air support will also arrive to assist on Tuesday. According to the USFS, crews are working to evaluate and assess the fire to determine where they can go to safely protect structures, infrastructure, and watershed areas.

According to the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), a mandatory evacuation is under effect for Middle Creek Canyon Road along with pre-evacuations for Cascade Avenue, Pine Avenue, Beulah Highland Road, and Vine Mesa.

A new Facebook page has been created for the Oak Ridge Fire to provide updates and information, including evacuation shelter details. Volunteers with the American Red Cross are now assisting at the evacuation center, located at the St. Charles Mesa Recreation Center at 1650 Cooper Place in Pueblo.

PCSO said the Community Animal Response Team is setting up a shelter for livestock only at 4 Bar S, located at 6675 CO-78 in Pueblo. Anyone in need of a truck or trailer to transport animals should contact Beth at (719) 251-0245.

USFS said the cause of the fire was determined to be lightning.

FOX21 News will have a crew in the area and will provide updates in this article as we learn more.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.