Interstate 25 has reopened in Thornton after heavy smoke from a grassfire closed the interstate in both directions Wednesday, according to a Colorado Department of Transportation highway map.
The fire tangled traffic in the area and led to the evacuations of a school, several businesses and nearby residents, officials said.
Thick black smoke that rose from the fire near 84th Avenue and Huron Street created a hazard for drivers, Thornton police said in a post on X at 12:05 p.m. Fire crews remained on the scene as of 2 p.m.
The interstate was closed in both directions for more than an hour between Thornton Parkway and 84th Avenue due to low visibility. The closure was lifted about 1:30 p.m., CDOT said.
Wind gusts are near 40 mph in the area. Much of Colorado along the I-25 corridor is under a red-flag warning for high winds and fire danger until 6 p.m.
Pinnacle High School and nearby businesses were evacuated, and multiple other roads were also closed, police said.
Officers went door to door in neighborhoods to the northeast of the fire. Authorities set up a formal shelter at Margaret Carpenter Recreation Center, 11151 Colorado Blvd. Those previously sent to Water World for safety were redirected by police.
No injuries have been reported.