RIFLE INFERNO: WILDLAND FLAMES FORCE EVACUATIONS, SPREAD TO APARTMENTS

Wind-whipped flames erupted in a backyard, roared into a wildland area - and leaped onto an apartment building in Rifle on Wednesday.

The neighborhood was evacuated. No injuries were reported. The building was heavily damaged. Firefighters rescued a trapped dog from the blazing structure.

"Initial reports indicated a backyard fire threatening a residence," Colorado River Fire Rescue said. "Due to strong winds and heavy fuel conditions, the fire quickly spread beyond the structure into the wildland area along Government Creek. The fire continued to advance along the creek corridor toward the Rifle Creek Apartments near West 30th Street. "Evacuations were ordered for residents along Willow Creek Circle and West 30th Street," officials said, and a temporary shelter was established at the Garfield County Fairgrounds. "The fire spread into the roof of an eight-unit apartment building at the Rifle Creek Apartments," officials said, and "the building sustained significant damage and is believed to be a total loss." The Red Cross responded as did Grand Valley Fire Protection District, the Glenwood Springs Fire Department, the Rifle Police Department, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, the Colorado Department of Transportation and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. [Photos: Colorado River Fire Rescue]