The 416 Fire has burned 54,129 acres north of Durango so far this summer, and as rains struck the area Tuesday ash and debris from a burn scar turned the Animas River to the color of chocolate.
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Southwest Region, the sediment and debris are killing lots of fish in the river and will likely continue for months.
The mudslides from the burn scar have also forced the evacuation of KOA Campground on County Road 250 north of Hermosa, according to the La Plata County government.
U.S. 550 was also shut down between County Road 203B and Hermosa Meadows Road about two miles north of Durango because of a mudslide in the area as well, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
According to CDOT, mud, trees and some large boulders have found their way onto U.S. 550 thanks to the heavy rains. The department brought in three heavy machines to get the road open as quickly as possible.
As of 9:15, the road had reopened.
