Some Pueblo County residents evacuated by Junkins fire allowed home

Some residents in Pueblo County evacuated by the Junkins fire were allowed back into their homes Thursday as additional firefighters were deployed to battle the blaze.

Seven 20-person hand crews joined the firefight Thursday as favorable weather — cooler temperatures and lower wind speeds — aided fire suppression efforts, according to the Pueblo County Sheriff ’s Office.

The Junkins fire, about 11 miles east of Westcliffe, started early Monday morning and is burning in Pueblo and Custer counties, including on the Pike/San Isabel National Forest.

The fire is 33 percent contained, has burned 17,809 acres and is being fought by more than 500 fire personnel.