Flagstaff Fire: Boulder Fire Prompts Mandatory Evacuations (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

New Boulder Fire Prompts Mandatory Evacuations

A fire that erupted in Boulder County Tuesday afternoon -- being called the Flagstaff Fire -- has prompted mandatory evacuations in the area. Authorities estimate that the fire has grown to 200-300 acres as of 4 p.m and is believed to have been started by lightning.

The Daily Camera reports that the Flagstaff Fire started near Bison Drive in the Walker Ranch area. Boulder County Sheriff's Office ordered the evacuation of twenty-six residences in the area of Bison Drive and Pine Needle Notch subdivision and pre-evacuation orders within Boulder city limits.

The City of Boulder has issued a total of 1,485 pre-evacuation notices and Boulder County officials say that 2,300 automated-alert calls went out Tuesday night.

The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) has voluntarily evacuated, according to Fox31.

Flames were said to be between 2 and 3 feet high, according to 7News. 50 firefighters are aided by 1 heavy air tanker and 4 helicopters.

A second fire was reported by 9News to be burning on federal land in Big Elk Meadows near Lyons, the size of that fire is unknown.

An evacuation center is being established at New Vista High School at 700 20th Street near Broadway and Baseline.

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LOOK at photos of the multiple fires burning around Colorado:

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Colorado Wildfires 2012

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