Click here to read the NEW, UPDATED STORY POSTED AT 10:20 a.m. Sunday, June 28 here.

UPDATE, 11:16 p.m.: A pre-evacuation notice has been issued for County Road 17 from Whispering Pines to Black Lake. Residents in that area are advised to collect medications, important documents and other necessary items and be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. If you have not already signed up for emergency alerts, click here or text “ourayalerts” to 65513. For resources on preparing for an evacuation, click here.

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UPDATE, 10:50 p.m.:  A federal critical incident management team will take over firefighting operations on Sunday, Ouray County Manager Antonio Mendez told the Plaindealer.

The Gold Mountain Fire is starting to calm down in some areas but is advancing toward the Lake Lenore area, which has been evacuated, he said. At least one resident, though, has refused to leave the area, Mendez said.

Authorities had hoped to send up aircraft today to battle the fire, but persistent high winds grounded them. Officials have ordered a fixed-wing aircraft and two helicopters that should arrive tomorrow, although high winds are in the forecast again.

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UPDATE, 10:18 p.m.: For anyone who needs temporary shelter, the evacuation center has been moved from the Ouray County 4-H Event Center and Fairgrounds to Ridgway Secondary School, 1200 Green St. There have been roughly 40 people who checked in to the evacuation center so far, according to Ouray County spokeswoman Jennifer Peterson. It’s not clear how many people have been evacuated from their homes, as they may be staying with friends or family instead of at the shelter.

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UPDATE, 9:47 p.m.: Power will be shut off to the Waterview and Chautauqua neighborhoods at the north end of the city of Ouray to support firefighting operations and protect public safety, according to the city of Ouray.

This photo was taken around 9:45 p.m., showing burning trees falling from the ridge. Trees were exploding, causing sparks to shower down off the cliff and starting fires below. Power lines are visible on the right side of this photo. Erin McIntyre – Ouray County Plaindealer

UPDATE, 9:30 p.m.: U.S. Highway 550 is being closed between the city of Ouray and the Whispering Pines subdivision north of town, according to the Ouray County Sheriff’s Office. Traffic is being detoured over the Whispering Pines bridge via County Road 17 and Seventh Avenue in town. Authorities ask motorists to use extreme caution on the detours, as both northbound and southbound traffic will be using this route.

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UPDATE, 9:18 p.m.: Second Chance Humane Society Executive Director Nick Gilman said the humane society is standing by to assist evacuees at the Ouray County 4-H Event Center and Fairgrounds. Second Chance is advising people who have evacuated animals to keep their animals with them, but that the organization can assist if people need crates or food. As a last option for animals that have been separated from their owners, Gilman said Second Chance can accept dogs and cats at its shelter on County Road 10 north of Ridgway.

The view of the Gold Mountain Fire from the 4-H Event Center at 10 p.m. Saturday. Some residents were bringing their livestock to shelter at the facility, due to the evacuation and the heavy smoke in other areas prompting them to move the animals. Erin McIntyre – Ouray County Plaindealer

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UPDATE, 8:58 p.m.: A mandatory evacuation order is now in place for Peck’s Trailer Park and the Red Stone Road area. This area is farther to the north of the Gold Mountain Fire along U.S. Highway 550.

Authorities say anybody in this area is at risk and should leave immediately.

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UPDATE, 8:22 p.m.:  Authorities have issued a pre-evacuation notice for Peck’s Trailer Park and the Red Stone Road area further north of the Gold Mountain Fire along U.S. Highway 550.

A pre-evacuation notice means people in that area should be aware that an evacuation order may be coming due to hazardous conditions and should be prepared to evacuate by getting family and supplies together.

Authorities said they are setting up a hotline and will make it available as soon as possible. The number is 970-626-5484.

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Authorities have issued a mandatory evacuation order this evening for all areas along County Road 14 north of Ouray due to a growing wildfire.

Officials are urging residents and anyone else in that area to leave immediately. The evacuation area includes Panoramic Heights, Lake Lenore, County Road 14A and all other areas along County Road 14.

“If you choose to ignore this order, you must understand that emergency services will not be available and there is a good chance you could not be rescued,” Ouray County Emergency Management posted on its Facebook page. “Volunteers will NOT be allowed to enter the area to provide assistance.

Ouray County Emergency Manager Glenn Boyd told the Plaindealer at about 8 p.m. that the fire was around 50 acres in size and spreading.

“We’re getting gusts of wind. It’s not steady, but we’re definitely getting gusts,” he said.

An evacuation center has been set up at the Ouray County 4-H Event Center and Fairgrounds in Ridgway, 22739 U.S. Highway 550, for anyone who needs temporary shelter.

The Ouray County Sheriff’s Office ordered evacuations around 6:45 p.m. Saturday, less than two hours after Ridgway and Ouray firefighters began responding to the Gold Mountain Fire, which broke out below the Gold Mountain Ranch and near the Bachelor Syracuse Mine Tour area off County Road 14. The fire ignited when a tree fell on a power line.

Smoke from the Gold Mountain Fire billows on the hillsides east of U.S. Highway 550 at the intersection of County Road 14. Authorities this evening issued a mandatory evacuation order for the Lake Lenore and Panoramic Heights subdivisions on County Road 14. (Photo by Erin McIntyre/Ouray County Plaindealer)

Ouray County Sheriff Justin Perry has requested aerial support from the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control. Authorities plans to pull water from Lake Lenore to fight the blaze. At least three federal wildland fire engines also responded to the fire.