A wildfire that broke out Wednesday afternoon in South Park has burned more than 40 acres, threatening three structures, and county emergency managers ordered evacuations of people and animals.

The fire began on private land and was smoldering on dry terrain in the town of Hartsel near Latigo Loop and McMurray Road, Park County authorities said.

“We’re very concerned about the wind, the conditions. It is very high wind and low humidity,” Park County spokeswoman Emmy West said.

A helicopter was dropping buckets of water, trying to suppress flames.

Residents living within 5 miles of the fire must evacuate, county officials said. This includes residents living in the Badger Creek Ranch area.

An emergency shelter was set up at Fairplay Community Center, 880 Bogue St. Animals and livestock can be moved to the Fairplay Fairgrounds, county officials said, adding that they plan to provide maps and information as soon as available.

U.S. Forest Service officials were headed to Hartsel to help fight the fire, West said. No injuries were reported.