The Oak Ridge fire burning in Pueblo County grew to 1,147 acres Friday evening as the blaze persists with zero percent containment nearly a week since its start.

According to the Rocky Mountain Area Incident Management Team, the wildfire about 3 miles northwest of Beulah grew by 63 acres overnight Thursday into Friday morning. 

As the fire continues to grow, resources to battle the blaze have increased as well — to 445 personnel working the scene Friday morning, the Facebook page states.

The fire was initially spotted June 22 in Pueblo County, sparked by a lightning strike, officials said. 

According to the U.S. Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program. 

Officials said moderate smoke was expected around Beulah early Friday and was anticipated to increase into the afternoon as winds from the west ramp up. 

For community members curious about updates regarding the fire, a fire information board has been made available at the Westcliffe Farmers Market. 

Air tankers dropped fire retardant and helicopters used water on the blaze Thursday. 

Incident Commander Casey Cheesbrough said crews worked to set up both direct and indirect hand and dozer fire lines along the fire’s perimeter. 

In a media briefing Thursday, Troy Mueller, operations detections chief for the Rocky Mountain Area Incident Management Team, said the biggest challenge has been the inaccessibility in steep rugged areas.

“We are not sure how long this fire is going to burn,” Mueller said Thursday. 

Mandatory evacuation orders for residents along Middle Creek Canyon Road remained in place Friday. Residents of Vine Mesa, Cascade Avenue, Pine Avenue and Beulah Highlands Road remain under a pre-evacuation status.

The U.S. Forest Service announced a closure beginning Wednesday of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests and the Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands due to the impacts of the Oak Ridge fire, according to a social media announcement from the agency.

According to Forest Service officials, the closure will be in effect through July 26, “unless rescinded,” the post states.