Four thousand acres and twenty buildings have been lost to the Royal Gorge Fire, near Canon City.
The fire is burning along the Arkansas River, in the area around the Royal Gorge Brige.
Authorities say that while the fire was burning on both sides of the bridge, that it appears to be undamaged.
Most of the buildings lost were restaurants which feed the tourists who come to see the bridge and gorge.
Twelve people have been hospitalized due to breathing issues, due to the smoke, in the area.
During Wednesday, fire fighters, aided by planes and helicopters, were able to gain twenty percent containment on the blaze.
Mandatory evacuations are in effect for the Royal Bridge Park north to Highway 50 and from the west side of Canon City to Parkdale Bridge.
The evacuation also includes the closure of the Arkansas River from Canon City to Spike Buck.
Eight hundred and eighty-one prisoners were evacuated from the Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility, as a precaution.
Officials felt that they should get a jump on the move, as it takes a long time to move inmates, instead of having to rush should it became necessary.
It is unknown what caused the fire to start.
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