113

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The 113 Fire (also referred to as the Highway 113 Fire) ignited around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, in Logan County, Colorado. The fire is located near Highway 113 at mile marker 12, approximately 11 miles north of Sterling.
Size and Containment: As of the most recent official updates from the afternoon of February 25, the fire was confirmed to have burned more than 100 acres and was growing rapidly due to wind conditions. While your request notes a size of approximately 4,000 acres, official public reports from the Sterling Fire Department and local authorities have not yet confirmed this figure in their initial releases. Containment status has not been released, but crews are actively working to suppress the blaze.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire is burning in grass and brush fuels. It has exhibited rapid rates of spread driven by strong winds, with gusts reported up to 49 mph in the area. The fire behavior is described as wind-driven, making containment efforts difficult.
Containment Efforts: Multiple agencies have responded to the scene, including the Sterling Fire Department and mutual aid from surrounding districts. Crews are utilizing brush trucks and water tenders, and air resources have been requested to assist with suppression.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for the town of Padroni and the immediate surrounding areas. Residents in the path of the fire, particularly those near Highway 113 and milepost 12, have been ordered to leave immediately.
Evacuation Warnings: Residents in the broader area north of Sterling and along the Highway 113 corridor are urged to stay alert. If you feel unsafe, do not wait for an official order to evacuate.
Evacuation Shelters: A specific evacuation shelter location has not been publicly confirmed in initial reports. Displaced residents are advised to check with the Logan County Office of Emergency Management or the Sterling Emergency Communications Center for the most current shelter assignments.
Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Highway 113 is closed from Highway 138 (east of Sterling) north to the town of Peetz.
• Drivers are advised to avoid the area entirely to allow emergency vehicles safe access. Visibility may be poor due to smoke and blowing dust.

For more information, visit:

• Logan County Office of Emergency Management
• Sterling Fire Department Facebook Page
• Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities associated with this fire as of the latest update.
Structures Impacted: At least 12 residences are located in the immediate vicinity of the fire. While no structure loss has been confirmed yet, the fire poses a significant threat to homes and agricultural outbuildings in the Padroni area.
School and Business Closures: Specific school closures have not been announced, but the evacuation of Padroni impacts all local activities in that community.
Safety Concerns:
Burn Bans: A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the area, meaning all outdoor burning is strictly prohibited. The combination of high winds and dry fuels creates critical fire weather conditions.
Air Quality: Smoke from the fire is visible as far north as Sidney, Nebraska. Residents with respiratory conditions should limit time outdoors and keep windows closed.
Power Outages: No specific power outages have been reported, but infrastructure in the fire's path may be de-energized for safety.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Firefighters are facing challenging conditions due to high winds. Containment is expected to be slow until wind speeds decrease. Crews will likely remain on scene through the night to protect structures and establish fire lines.
Weather and Wind Warnings: A Red Flag Warning remains in effect for Colorado's eastern plains, including Logan County. The National Weather Service at Sterling Municipal Airport has reported sustained winds of 39 mph with gusts reaching 49 mph. These strong winds are expected to persist, potentially complicating firefighting efforts into the evening. A Fire Weather Watch is also in place for Thursday, indicating that dangerous conditions may continue.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The cause of the 113 Fire is currently under investigation. No specific ignition source has been identified at this time.
Weather and Climate: The fire is being driven by "extreme fire weather" conditions, characterized by unseasonably warm temperatures, low relative humidity, and strong, gusty winds. These conditions are typical of the pre-spring fire season on the high plains, where dormant grass fuels are highly receptive to ignition and rapid spread.

For more information, visit:

• Logan County Office of Emergency Management
• Sterling Fire Department
• Northeast Colorado Regional Emergency Medical & Trauma Advisory Council (RETAC)