The Crosho Fire west of Yampa has spread to about 300 acres since Monday evening, according to Routt County Emergency Operations Director David DeMorat.

Pre-evacuation orders have been issued for residents bordered by Routt County Road 19 to the north, Colorado Highway 131 to the east and Routt County Road 13 to the south. The Crosho Lake area is still under mandatory evacuation orders.

At about 5 p.m. Monday, emergency radio communications stated there were several 911 calls made in South Routt regarding people seeing “white plumes” of smoke rising. Yampa Fire Protection District was then paged to the scene.

At around 6:20 p.m. Monday, Routt County Emergency Communications sent an emergency alert issuing an evacuation order for the area. Around 7 p.m., four aircraft were scoping the scene and dumping water.

As of 10 a.m. Tuesday, approximately 120 firefighters were on the scene, said DeMorat. U.S. Forest Service fire crews, as well as Steamboat Springs, Oak Creek and Yampa firefighters were paged for aid.

Three helicopters and two large airtankers are also assisting in battling the fire around 10 a.m. Tuesday, continuing to scope the fire and dump water, DeMorat added.

DeMorat said fire crews were working on structure protection Tuesday morning. Officials are working to get accurate information regarding how many structures are threatened in the area.

As Rio Blanco County resources continue to work on the Lee and Elk fires, Forest Service and Routt County-based crews will lead the charge on fighting the Crosho Fire.

Evacuation zones have been established for the area. More evacuation information will be provided when it is available.

The city of Steamboat Springs issued Stage 2 fire restrictions starting just after midnight Wednesday. The county is also expected to move to Stage 2 restrictions, according to a news release from the city.

Unlike earlier restrictions, individuals with recreational burn permits from Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue for fire pits at private residences are prohibited from burning under Stage 2, as well as the use of open charcoal grills.

“We’re facing a very imminent danger this summer as evident by extreme drought conditions, a continued hot and dry weather pattern and several fires already burning in the region,” commented Fire Chief Chuck Cerasoli. “It will take a community commitment from all of us to follow these restrictions and do everything we can to reduce human-caused wildfires.”

Routt County residents are encouraged to subscribe to the Routt County Emergency Alert System, which informs residents of emergencies and incidents as they happen.

This story is from SteamboatPilot.com.