SIMLA, Colo. (KDVR) — A wildfire burning northeast of Colorado Springs prompted mandatory evacuations of the entire town of Simla.

Elbert County said the fire burning south of Simla threatened approximately 500-700 acres.

The town evacuation was lifted about an hour later around 6:10 p.m. The fire was about 50% contained as of around 6:30 p.m., according to the Elbert County Office of Emergency Management.

Containment had grown to 90% by around 7:30 p.m. and to 96% by about 8 p.m., according to the Elizabeth Fire Department.

A shelter opened at the Elbert County Fairgrounds at 95 Ute Ave. in Kiowa.

Elizabeth Fire said that Elbert County Road and Bridge cleared 25 feet of vegetation to help stop the fire from getting into Simla.

Red flag warnings were in effect until Thursday because of high winds with low humidity.

FOX31’s Lanie Lee Cook contributed to this report.