Peak 2 wildfire puts Colorado town on evacuation alert

July 6 (UPI) -- Officials said about 450 homes outside the town of Breckenridge, Colo., remain under mandatory evacuation orders as firefighters work to stamp out a wildfire in the area.

The fire, on Peak 2 of the Tenmile Mountain range surrounding Breckenridge, slowed overnight thanks to cooler temperatures, but forecasters predicted sunny weather in the 80s Thursday and firefighters said the blaze was still "spotting," or beginning to burn again in places.

The fire has burned an estimated 80 acres.

The town of Breckenridge, home to ski resorts and other tourist destinations, is on pre-evacuation notice. The fire grew rapidly on Wednesday from just a few square feet when a mountain biker called it in to fire officials to several dozen acres. Firefighters caught a break when wind shifted, blowing the fire back into the direction it started.

Officials cautioned Thursday it was still possible the fire could spread beyond its present footprint if the wind shifts again.