YUMA COUNTY, Colo. - Multiple fast-moving grass fires fueled by powerful winds prompted widespread evacuations across Yuma County late Wednesday night.

Yuma County Emergency Management issued fire weather evacuation notices Wednesday evening as strong winds accelerated fire spread. Evacuation orders were issued for the Joes and Kirk area, the Wray and Eckley area and the Yuma area. Shelters were opened at the Grassroots Center in Joes, Wray EMS facilities and Yuma High School.

Officials urged residents to evacuate immediately if fires approached their area, drive slowly with hazard lights activated and follow instructions from law enforcement and fire officials. Authorities also advised motorists to avoid travel in the county unless necessary due to fire activity, debris and downed power lines.

According to the National Weather Service office in Denver, peak wind gusts during the event reached extreme levels across eastern Colorado. Gusts exceeded 70 mph in multiple locations, with readings of around 71 mph near Briggsdale and near 74 mph in the Fort Morgan area. Elsewhere along the Front Range, the agency reported widespread gusts of 70 to 80 mph, with isolated gusts topping 11o mph in higher terrain.

At the height of the incident, officials reported several fires burning across the county. The largest fire was located south of Eckley, stretching roughly from County Road 32 north to County Road 27 and westward. Additional fires were reported near Road 44 and Q to the north and near L and 2 to the south.

By early Thursday morning, officials said several fires had been contained and were in the mop-up phase, including the blazes near 44 and Q and L and 2. The fire south of Eckley remained active at 3 a.m., though firefighters reported they were gaining control.

Emergency shelters were closed around 2 a.m. Thursday as evacuation needs decreased. No injuries were reported, and damage assessments were ongoing. Fire departments from Sterling, Peetz and Merino also assisted with the response.